Pope Sends First Audio Message After Hospitalisation, Listen To What He Said

Pope Francis Health Update: Pope Francis released his first audio message since being hospitalized with pneumonia, expressing gratitude for prayers.

File photo of Pope Francis.

Source : PTI Images

Pope Francis Health Update: Pope Francis on Thursday released his first audio message since being hospitalised for double pneumonia nearly three weeks ago, and thanked people for their prayers. This marked the first public communication from the pope since his hospitalisation.

According to Vatican News, pope's message, which was in his native Spanish, was recorded from the hospital and, was broadcast to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square who had gathered for the nightly recitation of the rosary prayer.

In a feeble and breathless voice, Francis said, "I thank you with all my heart for the prayers you offer for my health from [St. Peter’s] Square. I accompany you from here." He added, "May God bless you, and may the Virgin protect you. Thank you", Vatican News reported.

Pope Francis releases an audio message to thank everyone who has been praying for his health.

The audio clip was broadcast in St. Peter’s Square on Thursday, March 6, as Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime led the nightly Rosary prayer.https://t.co/owgis4dsGX pic.twitter.com/bi7nTAzDRs

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) March 6, 2025

According to the AP, the doctors on Thursday reported that Francis was in stable condition, with no new respiratory crises or fever. He continued his respiratory and other physical therapy, worked, rested and prayed from the 10th floor papal suite at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.

Pope Faced Two Respiratory Failures

On Monday evening, Pope Francis suffered two acute 'episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency'. According to the Holy Press Office, the 88-year-old pontiff was reportedly back in 'non-invasive mechanical ventilation'. This came after the Pope was said to be in stable condition over the weekend, after an 'isolated' breathing crisis on Friday.

According to the Vatican, the statement said that the respiratory insufficiencies were caused by a significant substantial buildup of endobronchial mucus – a buildup of mucus in the bronchi which led to the bronchospasm. The hospital performed bronchoscopies, which is a procedure in which a tiny camera is used to let doctors see inside the lungs, 'with the need to remove large secretions'. However, the pope is said to be alert, oriented and cooperative.

“Today, the Holy Father suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm. Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed, with the need to remove large secretions. In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed. The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times,” the statement read.

Francis, who has been pope since 2013, has suffered bouts of ill health in the past two years. He is particularly prone to lung infections because he developed pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed.