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.
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Behind the scenes at the Vatican
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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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.
