Pope Francis, the 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church, marked three weeks in hospital on Friday as he continues to battle double pneumonia. The Vatican reported that his condition remains “stable,” but the pontiff sounded weak and breathless in his first audio message since his hospitalization on February 14.
The pope’s health has been a growing concern for the global Catholic community, with the Vatican releasing daily updates to counter speculation and misinformation about his condition. On Thursday, the Holy See shared a short audio message recorded by Francis, marking the first time his voice has been heard in weeks.
In the message, delivered in his native Spanish, the pope expressed gratitude for the prayers and support he has received. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the Square. I accompany you from here,” he said, his voice faint and labored, with some words barely audible. “May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you.”
The message was broadcast in Saint Peter’s Square, where hundreds of pilgrims gathered for evening prayers. The crowd erupted in applause upon hearing the pope’s voice, a sign of relief and hope for his recovery.
Reactions from Pilgrims and Media
The audio message was met with mixed emotions. John Maloney, a 76-year-old English pilgrim visiting Rome for the 2025 Jubilee holy year celebrations, expressed optimism. “We were very happy that he could speak. It’s a good sign that he’s actually able to speak,” he told AFP. “He’s got a long way to go, so he’s in the hands of God.”
However, Claudia Bianchi, a 50-year-old Italian from Rome, noted the pope’s evident fatigue. “It struck me to hear him so tired,” she said.
The message made front-page headlines in Italy, with newspapers highlighting the pope’s weakened voice. The Corriere della Sera described it as “pained,” while other outlets noted the Vatican’s efforts to combat fake news about the pontiff’s condition.
Vatican’s Updates and Medical Prognosis
The Vatican has been providing regular updates on the pope’s health, a shift from its past lack of transparency. On Friday morning, it reported that Francis “passed a calm night and woke up shortly after 8:00 a.m.”
In its Thursday evening bulletin, the Vatican stated that the pope’s condition was “stable,” with no recurrence of the respiratory failure he experienced on Monday. It added that Francis had continued with breathing exercises, physiotherapy, and a bit of work, and did not have a fever. However, doctors maintained a “reserved prognosis,” indicating they are cautious about predicting his recovery trajectory.
The pope has missed his last three weekly Sunday Angelus prayers, which he typically delivers from the Gemelli hospital balcony during previous hospitalizations. No announcement has been made about whether he will appear this weekend.
Health Challenges and Speculation
Pope Francis has faced a series of health issues in recent years, including colon surgery in 2021 and a hernia operation in 2023. His current hospitalization is the longest and most serious of his papacy. Initially diagnosed with bronchitis, his condition worsened into pneumonia in both lungs, leading to multiple respiratory crises.
On February 22, he suffered a “prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis,” followed by an “isolated crisis of bronchospasm” on February 28. On March 3, the pope experienced two episodes of acute respiratory failure caused by a significant buildup of mucus in his airways.
The pope’s health has sparked speculation about his ability to continue leading the Catholic Church, particularly among his critics. Some have raised the possibility of resignation, following the precedent set by his predecessor, Benedict XVI. However, the Vatican has not indicated any such plans, and Francis has previously expressed his commitment to serving as long as he is able.
Global Impact and Prayers
As the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, Pope Francis’s health is of global significance. His message of gratitude and resilience has resonated with believers worldwide, who continue to pray for his recovery.
The Vatican’s efforts to provide regular updates have helped reassure the faithful, while also addressing the spread of misinformation. The pope’s audio message, though brief, has served as a powerful reminder of his enduring connection to the Catholic community.
As Pope Francis continues his recovery, the Vatican has emphasized the importance of patience and prayer. The pope’s resilience and determination to remain engaged, even from his hospital bed, reflect his unwavering commitment to his role and his flock.
The coming days will be critical in determining the pope’s recovery trajectory. For now, the global Catholic community remains united in prayer, hopeful for his swift and complete recovery.
