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Pope Francis recorded an audio message from his hospital bed, thanking people for their prayers and offering his blessings. This heartfelt gesture came as he continued his recovery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has been receiving treatment for a respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia.

Pope Francis Thanks Supporters for Their Prayers

On his 21st day in the hospital, Pope Francis sent a message to those gathered in St. Peter’s Square. He expressed deep gratitude to everyone who had been praying for him. The message was broadcast during the nightly rosary prayer, filling the square with his familiar voice, though noticeably weakened.

“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health,” he said in Spanish. His words, though brief, carried a powerful message of faith and resilience.

“May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you,” he concluded.

Concerns Over the Pope’s Weak Voice

Many listeners immediately noticed how frail Pope Francis sounded. His voice, which is usually strong and commanding, was softer than usual. The nearly whisper-like tone highlighted the seriousness of his illness and his ongoing struggle to recover.

The pope’s health has been a matter of global concern. His respiratory condition has kept him in the hospital for three weeks, and his slow recovery has raised questions about his ability to resume his full responsibilities.

Vatican Provides Update on Pope’s Health

The Vatican Press Office released an update on Thursday, confirming that Pope Francis’ condition remained stable. While there were no new complications, doctors continued to monitor his progress carefully. They have not yet declared him out of danger, underscoring the need for continued medical supervision.

Throughout the day, the pope balanced work with moments of rest and prayer. In the morning, he reviewed documents and communicated with Vatican officials. By the afternoon, he took time to rest, following his doctors’ recommendations to conserve energy.

Before lunch, he received the Eucharist, continuing his spiritual routine even while hospitalized.

Support from the Catholic Community

Catholics worldwide have been offering prayers and support for Pope Francis. In St. Peter’s Square, people gather every night for the rosary, praying for his speedy recovery. Bishops and clergy members from various countries have also sent messages of encouragement.

Social media has been flooded with well wishes, with many sharing personal stories of how Pope Francis has inspired them. Some expressed hope that he would soon return to leading the Church, while others focused on his health and well-being.

Future Health Updates Expected

The Vatican announced that the next official health update would be provided on Saturday. This update is highly anticipated, as many are eager to know whether Pope Francis’ condition has improved enough for him to leave the hospital.

For now, the Catholic Church continues to function under the leadership of senior Vatican officials, who are managing day-to-day affairs in the pope’s absence. Many hope he will be strong enough to participate in upcoming religious events, but there is no official timeline for his return.

Pope Francis’ battle with illness has once again highlighted the challenges of leading the Catholic Church at an advanced age. Despite his health struggles, his unwavering faith and dedication remain evident, offering inspiration to millions around the world.

For more updates on Pope Francis’ health, visit Financial Mirror.