Pope Francis’ voice heard for first time since entering hospital in new audio message
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Pope Francis’ voice has been heard for the first time since being admitted to hospital last month in a newly released audio message.
In the recording, shared with worshippers at the start of the evening Rosary prayer in St Peter’s Square, he said: “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the Square, I am with you from here.
“May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you.”
The cardinal presiding over the prayer told the crowd he had “beautiful news, a beautiful gift” to share.
The clearly surprised worshippers broke into applause as the message was played.
The Pope recorded the audio message in his native Spanish from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has been receiving treatment for double pneumonia since being admitted last month.
While the 88-year-old has shared written messages via the Vatican since entering hospital on 14 February, this is the first time his voice has been heard.
The audio recording comes after the Vatican said the Pope’s condition has today been stable “compared to previous days”.
He has not had a fever and his blood tests remain stable, it said.
Pope sounds weak and tired in recording – but the message will fill Catholics with hope
It is now the 21st night that the Pope has spent in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
He clearly remains very sick, but the release of the voice recording, in which he thanks people for praying for him, is a positive sign at a very worrying time.
The message is short and is in his native language of Spanish. He sounds very weak and tired in the recording – ordinarily he is known for his strength and vigour.
It is also interesting that the Vatican has decided not to release a picture of him. During Pope Francis’ last stay in hospital, they did distribute a photograph.
But the fact that he has felt well enough to release a message at all will fill Catholics around the world with hope that he recovers.
The Pope is 88 years old and has a history of lung-related conditions. The team of doctors treating him remain “guarded” about his prognosis, describing his condition as “complex”.
The Vatican has been giving updates on the pontiff’s health at least once a day since he was admitted to hospital – but in a sign of his progress, these are being paused.
“Considering the stability of the clinical picture, the next medical bulletin will be released on Saturday,” it said this evening.
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Behind the scenes at the Vatican
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The Pope – who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man – has been sleeping with a non-invasive mechanical ventilator to help his recovery and ensure his lungs expand properly overnight.
He has been transitioning to receiving high-flow oxygen via nasal tubes during the day.
A man praying for the Pope outside the hospital where he is being treated. Pic: AP
The Pope’s daily routine now includes physical and respiratory therapy alongside treatment for double pneumonia, the Vatican said.
This has become the longest public absence of the Pope’s 12-year papacy.