Pope Francis has made his first public statement in three weeks from the hospital, thanking his supporters as his health condition remains complex and uncertain.
Pope Francis' First Voice Message in Weeks Sparks Hope Among Faithful
Pope Francis' First Voice Message in Weeks Sparks Hope Among Faithful
Pope Francis addresses the public for the first time since hospitalization, expressing gratitude for prayers as health updates continue.
For the first time in nearly three weeks, Pope Francis's voice resonated across St. Peter’s Square on Thursday evening, delivering a heartfelt audio message to thousands of devotees who have gathered daily to pray for his recovery since his hospitalization.
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the square," the 88-year-old pontiff said in Spanish. Despite sounding weak and labored, his words ignited a wave of applause among the crowd who have been anxiously awaiting news of his well-being.
Pope Francis was admitted to Policlinico Agostino Gemelli in Rome on February 14, suffering from bronchitis that escalated into pneumonia affecting both lungs, along with additional infectious complications. The Vatican has kept images of the pope confidential out of respect for his privacy.
During his time in the hospital, Pope Francis has experienced two significant respiratory crises; the latest necessitated medical suction of mucus from his bronchial tubes. His treatment includes noninvasive mechanical ventilation at night and high flows of oxygen during the day. As of Thursday, the Vatican reported that the pope's condition was stable and he was fever-free, though caution regarding his prognosis remained.
For 11 consecutive evenings, prayers have been held in St. Peter’s Square, where attendees recite the rosary for the pope’s health. This has proliferated into global prayer services and special Masses in solidarity. Among those gathered in St. Peter’s Square, sentiments of hope and faith were palpable.
"I hope the Lord gives him the strength to hold on," expressed Anna Urru, a devoted grandmother who had attended the prayer sessions multiple times. "With our prayers, we give him great help. I hope the Lord will bring him back to us in good health." Another attendee, Andrea Vincenzi from northern Italy, described hearing the pope's voice as "very moving," conveying his optimism for the pontiff’s recovery.
As the world awaits further updates on Pope Francis’s health, the next medical briefing from the Vatican is expected this Saturday afternoon, continuing to keep the faithful in suspense but united in prayer.
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the square," the 88-year-old pontiff said in Spanish. Despite sounding weak and labored, his words ignited a wave of applause among the crowd who have been anxiously awaiting news of his well-being.
Pope Francis was admitted to Policlinico Agostino Gemelli in Rome on February 14, suffering from bronchitis that escalated into pneumonia affecting both lungs, along with additional infectious complications. The Vatican has kept images of the pope confidential out of respect for his privacy.
During his time in the hospital, Pope Francis has experienced two significant respiratory crises; the latest necessitated medical suction of mucus from his bronchial tubes. His treatment includes noninvasive mechanical ventilation at night and high flows of oxygen during the day. As of Thursday, the Vatican reported that the pope's condition was stable and he was fever-free, though caution regarding his prognosis remained.
For 11 consecutive evenings, prayers have been held in St. Peter’s Square, where attendees recite the rosary for the pope’s health. This has proliferated into global prayer services and special Masses in solidarity. Among those gathered in St. Peter’s Square, sentiments of hope and faith were palpable.
"I hope the Lord gives him the strength to hold on," expressed Anna Urru, a devoted grandmother who had attended the prayer sessions multiple times. "With our prayers, we give him great help. I hope the Lord will bring him back to us in good health." Another attendee, Andrea Vincenzi from northern Italy, described hearing the pope's voice as "very moving," conveying his optimism for the pontiff’s recovery.
As the world awaits further updates on Pope Francis’s health, the next medical briefing from the Vatican is expected this Saturday afternoon, continuing to keep the faithful in suspense but united in prayer.
