In a heartfelt audio message, Pope Francis addressed his supporters for the first time in three weeks from his hospital room, expressing gratitude for their prayers while he continues to recover from serious respiratory issues.
Pope Francis' Voice Resounds as Faithful Gather in Support
Pope Francis' Voice Resounds as Faithful Gather in Support
Pope Francis Makes First Public Statement Since Hospitalization Amid Thousands of Prayers
In a significant moment of faith and support, an audio message from Pope Francis was broadcast on Thursday evening, marking his first public communication after being hospitalized for over three weeks. The message was played in St. Peter’s Square, where thousands of faithful have gathered daily to pray for his recovery.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the square,” the Pope said in a weakened voice recorded earlier that day at the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli hospital in Rome, where he has been treated since February 14 for bronchitis that escalated to pneumonia. The audience responded with loud applause, demonstrating their emotional connection and support for the Papal leader.
The Vatican has been cautious in sharing details about Francis's health, stating that he has experienced two respiratory crises during his hospitalization, including a recent episode requiring suctioning of his airways due to mucus buildup. Despite being stable and without fever, the Vatican warns that his condition remains complex, with the next medical update expected on Saturday.
For the past 11 days, nightly rosaries have been recited by the public at St. Peter’s Square, accompanied by prayer services worldwide, reflecting the global concern for the Pope's health. Believers have expressed their hope for his recovery, with many feeling a personal connection to his suffering and a desire to uplift him through prayer.
“Seeing and hearing him gives us strength,” said Andrea Vincenzi, who visited the square with his family. Others shared similar sentiments, praying daily for his restoration to health. The emphasis on community prayer underscores the strong ties between the pontiff and his congregation as they await further news on his recovery.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the square,” the Pope said in a weakened voice recorded earlier that day at the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli hospital in Rome, where he has been treated since February 14 for bronchitis that escalated to pneumonia. The audience responded with loud applause, demonstrating their emotional connection and support for the Papal leader.
The Vatican has been cautious in sharing details about Francis's health, stating that he has experienced two respiratory crises during his hospitalization, including a recent episode requiring suctioning of his airways due to mucus buildup. Despite being stable and without fever, the Vatican warns that his condition remains complex, with the next medical update expected on Saturday.
For the past 11 days, nightly rosaries have been recited by the public at St. Peter’s Square, accompanied by prayer services worldwide, reflecting the global concern for the Pope's health. Believers have expressed their hope for his recovery, with many feeling a personal connection to his suffering and a desire to uplift him through prayer.
“Seeing and hearing him gives us strength,” said Andrea Vincenzi, who visited the square with his family. Others shared similar sentiments, praying daily for his restoration to health. The emphasis on community prayer underscores the strong ties between the pontiff and his congregation as they await further news on his recovery.
