Pope Francis records audio greeting from hospital thanking people for their prayers

21 days into his stay at Gemelli hospital in Rome, Pope Francis recorded an audio greeting thanking people for their prayers.

“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 as his message was broadcast in Spanish in a hushed St. Peters Square with people gathered for the nightly recitation of the rosary prayer. “May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you.”

For anyone used to hearing Pope 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.

Vatican: the next bulletin will be published on Saturday

Pope Francis has been hospitalised for three weeks with a respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia. In Thursday evening's bulletin, the Vatican Press Office reported that the Holy Father's clinical condition remained stable compared to previous days, and that no further respiratory episodes have taken place.

The doctors maintain their guarded prognosis, which means he is not out of danger. The next medical bulletin will be issued on Saturday.

The pope worked during Thursday morning and afternoon, alternating between rest and prayer. Before lunch, he received the Eucharist.