Pope Francis gave his first audio message on Thursday since he was hospitalized for double pneumonia almost three weeks ago, showing deep appreciation to well-wishers for praying and offering support.
The short message, taped from Rome’s Gemelli hospital, was broadcast during an evening prayer service in St. Peter’s Square. Speaking in his native Spanish, the 88-year-old pope said, “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers in the Square for my health. May God bless you.” He stopped often to breathe deeply.
The Vatican stated that Francis continued to be in stable condition on Thursday, without developing any new respiratory issues. The doctors indicated that there would be no additional medical bulletins before Saturday, expressing confidence in his consistent progress.
The pope was admitted on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection needing intensive therapy. Although his condition is serious, recent reports indicate improvement. He has not had a fever, and his blood work has been stable. Still, his prognosis is described as “guarded,” meaning he is not entirely out of the woods yet.
Last week, Francis experienced two bouts of acute respiratory insufficiency, for which non-invasive mechanical ventilation was needed. Although he continues to receive nighttime ventilation, he now has only a nasal oxygen tube during the day.
In spite of his physical ailments, Francis keeps on working from his hospital bed, authorizing the appointment of two bishops on Thursday. The Vatican also confirmed that he is getting physical therapy in an effort to increase mobility, after knee and back problems which forced him to rely on a wheelchair.
The pope, whose portion of a lung was excised in early life, still is susceptible to lung infections. His extended stay in the hospital is his longest period out of the public’s sight since ascending to the papacy 12 years ago.
