Faithful moved as Pope Francis’ voice heard for first time in weeks

Rome: A weak and breathless Pope Francis expressed gratitude for prayers regarding his health in a remarkable audio message on Thursday. This marks the first public sign of life from the 88-year-old pontiff since being hospitalised three weeks ago with double pneumonia.

Francis' feeble voice, recorded from the hospital in his native Spanish, was broadcast to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the nightly rosary prayer. "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 soft voice piercing the hushed gathering. "May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you."

Emotional impact of frail voice
The message underscored the severity of Francis’ condition. Those accustomed to his typically soft-spoken tone found the recording particularly moving. The cardinal leading the prayer, Ángel Fernández Artime, introduced the message as a “beautiful gift.” The surprised crowd broke into applause twice, while Fernández Artime bowed his head as he listened.

Francis has suffered from chronic lung disease since his youth, when part of one lung was removed. The Vatican has provided twice-daily updates on his condition but has released no photos or videos of him since February 14, when he was last seen holding audiences before being admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital. Initially diagnosed with bronchitis, his condition worsened into a complex respiratory infection and double pneumonia, raising concerns about the future of his papacy.

Continued recovery but guarded prognosis
The Vatican stated on Thursday that Francis remains in stable condition, with no new respiratory crises or fever. He continued respiratory and physical therapy while balancing work, rest, and prayer from the papal suite at Gemelli hospital. Doctors indicated they would not issue further medical updates until Saturday. His prognosis remains guarded, meaning he is not yet out of danger.

To aid recovery, the pope has been using a non-invasive mechanical mask to help his lungs expand overnight and is transitioning to high-flow oxygen via a nasal tube during the day. Vatican officials noted that Francis has now been stable for three days following a pair of respiratory crises on Monday.

Francis had been scheduled to attend a spiritual retreat this weekend alongside the Holy See hierarchy. On Tuesday, the Vatican confirmed that the retreat would proceed without him but in “spiritual communion” with the pope. The pre-selected theme, chosen before his illness, is “Hope in eternal life.”