VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis remains stable but in a complex clinical condition as he battles pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the Vatican announced Friday. The update follows the release of an audio message where the 88-year-old pontiff sounded weak and breathless, fueling concerns about his health.
First Public Message Since Hospitalization
On Thursday evening, the Vatican broadcast an audio recording of the pope addressing pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square:
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health. I accompany you from here. May God bless you and the Virgin protect you,” Francis said, speaking in Spanish with labored breathing.
The message marked the first time the public heard his voice since his hospitalization on February 14. His choice of Spanish over Italian sparked speculation that his condition had weakened his ability to speak fluently in the Vatican’s official language. However, Vatican sources dismissed this, saying he wanted to reach a broader audience.
Vatican: Pope Remains Under Close Watch
The Vatican confirmed that Francis continues to rely on oxygen support, switching between a mask at night and a high-flow nasal cannula during the day. Though he has managed some light work and physiotherapy, his overall prognosis remains uncertain.
In an effort to counter online rumors about the pope’s condition, the Vatican has stepped up transparency, providing daily health updates. However, it announced that no medical bulletin would be released Friday, with the next scheduled for Saturday.
Concerns Over Recovery
Many pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square expressed relief at hearing the pope’s voice, yet others were struck by his frailty.
“It’s a good sign that he could speak,” said John Maloney, a 76-year-old pilgrim from England. Meanwhile, Claudia Bianchi, a 50-year-old from Rome, said, “It struck me to hear him so tired.”
Longest and Most Serious Hospitalization
Pope Francis has faced multiple health challenges in recent years, including colon surgery in 2021 and a hernia operation in 2023. This hospitalization, however, has been his longest and most serious.
Doctors revealed that Francis suffered multiple respiratory crises, including acute respiratory failure on March 3 due to mucus buildup and bronchospasms. His condition has also fueled speculation about a potential resignation, similar to his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI.
With no confirmation on whether the pope will appear for Sunday’s Angelus prayer, the world watches closely as his recovery continues.