"I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the square," Francis said in the message, recorded from his hospital room at the Gemelli Polyclinic.
While the recording provided reassurance that the pope could still speak, his voice sounded weak and breathless.
Francis was admitted on February 14 with a case of bronchitis that worsened into bilateral pneumonia, affecting both lungs. The illness is especially concerning given his age and medical history—he had part of one lung removed as a young man in Argentina due to a respiratory infection.
His condition took a turn for the worse earlier this week. On Monday, the Vatican reported that Francis had suffered two episodes of “acute respiratory failure.” Doctors had to intervene by aspirating mucus from his airways. Since then, he has alternated between high-flow oxygen and mechanical ventilation, though the Vatican has stated he is "resting well."
Unlike previous popes, Francis has been open about his health struggles, breaking from centuries of secrecy surrounding the well-being of pontiffs, reports CBS News.
The Vatican continues to provide twice-daily updates on his condition, which remains serious. On Friday, officials said his status was "stable," but his prognosis remained "guarded," meaning there is still significant concern.
Despite his frailty, the pope has been undergoing physical therapy, including breathing exercises and mobility work. The Vatican has also confirmed that he has been able to sit in a chair, read newspapers, and handle some of his official duties from the hospital.
