Pope thanks people for prayers ‘from bottom of my heart’ in new audio message
The message was the first public sign of life from the 88-year-old pope since he was admitted to hospital three weeks ago with double pneumonia.
A weak and breathless Pope Francis has thanked people for their prayers for his recovery in a remarkable audio message broadcast on Thursday.
It was the first public sign of life from the 88-year-old pope since he was admitted to hospital three weeks ago with double pneumonia.
For anyone used to hearing Francis’ voice, which is often so soft it sounds like a whisper, the audio was an emotional punch to the gut that hammered home just how sick he is.
The cardinal presiding over the prayer, Cardinal Angel Fernandez Artime, had told the crowd at the start of the service that he had “beautiful news, a beautiful gift” to share.
The clearly surprised crowd broke into applause and then applauded again after Francis’ final “gracias”. Cardinal Fernandez Artime, for his part, bowed his head as he listened.
The pope has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man.
The Vatican has given twice-daily updates on Francis’ medical condition, but has distributed no photos or video of him since the morning of February 14, when he held a handful of audiences at the Vatican before being admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital for what was then just a bad case of bronchitis.
Francis has issued written messages from hospital, including some that sounded very much like him. But even Vatican officials had been clamouring to hear his voice, saying the pope’s calls for peace are particularly needed at a time of such global conflict and war.
More than any pope before him, Francis has mastered the art of informal and direct communication, often recording mobile phone videos for visitors to bring home to their communities. For the considerable effort it must have taken, the audio message made clear that he understood the power of his voice, even in its weakened state.
Doctors on Thursday reported that Francis was in a stable condition, with no new respiratory crises or fever. He continued his respiratory and other physical therapy on Thursday as he worked, rested and prayed from the 10th floor papal suite in the hospital.
Given the continued stability of Francis’ condition, doctors said they did not expect to provide a new medical update until on Saturday. His prognosis remains guarded, meaning he is not out of danger.
The pope has been sleeping with a non-invasive mechanical mask to guarantee that his lungs expand properly overnight and help his recovery.
He has been transitioning to receiving high-flow oxygen with a nasal tube during the day. His routine now includes physical therapy, along with treatment for double pneumonia and respiratory therapy, Vatican officials said.
The pope has been stable for three full days after suffering a pair of respiratory crises on Monday.
