Pope Francis’ Voice Heard in St. Peter’s Square:
A Message of Gratitude
On the evening of Thursday, March 6, at the start of the Rosary prayer in St. Peter’s Square around 9 p.m., the voice of Pope Francis was broadcast to those gathered. Speaking with a noticeably weakened voice, the Holy Father expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the prayers offered for his health.
“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 Pope said.
His words, despite his ongoing health struggles, served as a touching moment of connection with the faithful, reaffirming his spiritual presence even from the hospital.
In an update on March 5, the Vatican confirmed that the Pope has not experienced any new episodes of respiratory distress and continues to follow his prescribed treatment plan.
Throughout the day, he received high-flow oxygen therapy, with doctors set to resume non-invasive mechanical ventilation overnight. His respiratory and motor physiotherapy sessions have also been increased, indicating continued efforts to aid his recovery. Despite these improvements, Vatican officials remain cautious, emphasizing that his prognosis is still uncertain due to the complexity of his condition.
With the beginning of Lent marked by Ash Wednesday, Pope Francis was unable to preside over the ceremony in Rome as planned. However, he participated in a private blessing of the ashes from his apartment on the 10th floor of the hospital. A celebrant imposed the ashes on him, after which he received the Eucharist.
Despite ongoing medical treatment, the Pope has remained engaged with his duties, dedicating time to work following the blessing. According to the Vatican, his pneumonia is progressing as expected under treatment, and he has not experienced any seizures in the past two days—an encouraging sign. However, doctors stress that a full evaluation of his recovery will take more time.
While the Pope’s condition is improving, the Vatican continues to monitor him closely as he undergoes treatment.