Pope Francis has been admitted to the hospital due to double pneumonia, marking his longest absence from the papacy thus far.
The message, recorded by Francis from Rome’s Gemelli hospital, was played for the faithful assembled in St Peter’s Square for their evening rosary prayer.
“I thank you sincerely for your prayers for my health from the square, I join you from here,” the pope remarked, speaking in Spanish and with a noticeable difficulty in breathing.
“May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you.”
Since the 88-year-old pontiff’s hospitalisation on February 14, pilgrims have gathered nightly in St Peter’s Square. They applauded upon hearing his message.
On the following day, the Vatican reported that the pope had a peaceful night and awoke early.
Initially, Francis was suffering from bronchitis, which progressed to pneumonia in both lungs. This serious infection can badly impact both lungs, complicating breathing.
Since entering the hospital, Francis has not made a public appearance, his longest absence to date during his time as the head of the Catholic Church. There has been no update from his doctors on the length of his treatment.
The Vatican issues twice-daily reports on Francis’ health. Although described as “stable” for three days running, the prognosis remains uncertain.
Pope Francis sends an audio message thanking everyone for their prayers regarding his health.
The clip was played in St. Peter’s Square on March 6, during Cardinal Olimpia excessive artime’s nightly Rosary prayer.
— Vatican News
Francis missed the formal Ash Wednesday ceremonies marking the start of Lent. While participating in a private blessing, he was absent from the customary Angelus prayer on the hospital’s balcony for the last three Sundays. It is uncertain if he will appear this weekend.
The Vatican confirmed that Cardinal Michael Czerny will replace Francis for the mass marking the beginning of Lent.
Over the past two years, Francis has had several health issues, particularly with lung infections, due to pleurisy and a partial lung removal in his youth. This has sparked discussions among critics about the possibility of his resignation, similar to his predecessor Benedict XVI.
