Pope Francis Speaks in Audio Clip for First Time Since Hospitalization
Originally appeared on E! Online
' health is showing some improvements.
Nearly three weeks after being admitted to the hospital with double pneumonia, the pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church spoke publicly for the first time in an audio message expressing his gratitude for all the support he's received.
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the Square,' Pope Francis said in the March 6 voice note. 'I accompany you from here. May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you."
One week before the audio message update, the 88-year-old—who was in critical condition at the time after suffering an 'asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen,' per the Vatican—shared a written thank you to his supporters.
"I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children," read the Feb. 23 post shared to his X (formerly Twitter) account. "Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!"
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Shortly after, Pope Francis shared another message, this time providing a glimmer of hope for his followers.
"I urge you to continue your apostolate with joy and to be a sign of a love that embraces everyone, as the #GospelOfTheDay suggests," the second post on his X read. "May we transform evil into goodness and build a fraternal world. Do not be afraid to take risks for love!"
Pope Francis—who was elected in 2013—has been prone to respiratory infections, having undergone surgery to remove part of one of his lungs in 1957 following a severe infection. In 2023, he spent another three days in a hospital undergoing treatment for pneumonia.
And while his health has fluctuated over the years, the Vatican echoed the religious leader's hopeful sentiment, sharing that he has 'remained stable compared to previous days.'
#PopeFrancis sends audio message of thanks to people who are praying for his health. It was played at the beginning of the rosary in St. Peter's Square. pic.twitter.com/7CDbme1gni— Catholic News Service Rome (@CatholicNewsSvc) March 6, 2025
'Again today, he has not experienced any episodes of respiratory insufficiency,' read a March 6 statement from the church. 'Doctors are still maintaining a reserved prognosis. Given the stability of his clinical condition, the next medical bulletin will be issued on Saturday.'
And the Vatican added that Pope Francis' improved condition had already allowed him to ease back into his work.
'Today, the Holy Father dedicated himself to some work activities in the morning and afternoon, alternating between rest and prayer,' the Vatican stated. 'Before lunch, he received the Eucharist.'
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