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On March 6, 2025, Pope Francis shared a brief audio message from Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he has been for 21 days. In the 27-second recording played before the rosary in St. Peter’s Square, he expressed gratitude: “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the square; I accompany you from here. May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you.” The Vatican press office confirmed that this message was recorded earlier in Spanish.
The pope, who is 88 years old, has been struggling with double pneumonia and had not spoken publicly since his hospitalization on February 14 due to bronchitis and breathing difficulties. Despite his apparent difficulty speaking in the recording, it marked his first public communication since then.
Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime led the rosary and described the pope’s message as “good news, a beautiful gift.” The crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square responded with applause both before and after hearing it.
Pope Francis' medical team released an update noting his stable condition while continuing respiratory and physical therapy "with benefit." He showed no fever or respiratory insufficiency, and his blood tests remained stable. However, doctors maintained a guarded prognosis for his recovery.
The pope continues to receive high-flow oxygen during the day and uses noninvasive mechanical ventilation at night. Despite his health challenges, he engages in work activities between rest periods and received Eucharist before lunch.
Retired Polish Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz drew parallels between Pope Francis’ current situation and that of St. John Paul II when bedridden but still serving with heart and mind. He stated that even without public speech, Pope Francis' influence remains significant globally as he advocates for peace amid conflicts.
Cardinal Dziwisz emphasized Pope Francis’ role as a moral leader concerned with humanity’s fate: “Francis is not only our father; he is the highest moral figure who cares about the fate of all of humanity,” urging prayers for his healing.
