By admin 
Pope Francis has released an emotional audio message expressing gratitude to those praying for his recovery, as he nears three weeks in the hospital battling pneumonia. His voice, breathless and weak, was broadcast in St. Peter’s Square, where pilgrims have gathered daily to pray for him.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health,” Francis said in Spanish, his words fading at times. “May God bless you and the Virgin protect you.”
Health Condition and Medical Updates
The Vatican reports that the 88-year-old pontiff remains in stable condition at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, with no recurrence of Monday’s respiratory failure. His blood work remains stable, and he continues breathing exercises and physiotherapy. Although doctors are optimistic, they have maintained a reserved prognosis, refraining from long-term predictions about his recovery.
Francis, who had part of a lung removed as a young man, has been using an oxygen mask at night to assist with breathing. During the day, he has switched to a nasal cannula providing high-flow oxygen.
Due to his health, the pope missed Ash Wednesday celebrations and has not been seen in public since his hospitalization—the longest of his papacy. Unlike previous hospital stays, where he appeared at the Gemelli hospital balcony for his Sunday Angelus prayer, he has now missed three consecutive Sundays. The Vatican has yet to confirm if he will appear this weekend.
Prayers and Upcoming Events
In his absence, Cardinal Michael Czerny will lead the first Sunday of Lent mass, a key event for the Jubilee 2025 celebrations, dedicated this weekend to volunteers. The Vatican says the gathering will hold deeper meaning as prayers continue for the pope’s recovery.
Pilgrims are expected to gather outside the hospital on Saturday to pray, continuing a tradition seen throughout his hospitalization.
Growing Concerns Over His Health
Francis was initially diagnosed with bronchitis, but the illness escalated into pneumonia, causing global concern. He has experienced multiple episodes of acute respiratory failure due to mucus buildup and bronchospasms, according to the Vatican.
His ongoing health struggles have fueled speculation about whether he might resign, following the precedent set by his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. However, no official statements have been made regarding such a possibility.
For now, the Vatican remains hopeful about his recovery, while the world watches and prays for the leader of nearly 1.4 billion Catholics.
Gill Bikram Singh