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At the 11th nightly Rosary led by cardinals in St. Peter’s Square this March 6, the faithful got a special and hopeful surprise. Pope Francis recorded a voice message that was played in the Square before the Rosary began.
“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’s brief message, said in Spanish and revealing his ongoing weakness and shortness of breath, brought smiles and applause, even if it also confirmed how sick he is.
You can listen to the message here.
This was the Holy Father’s first contact with the faithful since he began hospitalization on February 14, except for several texts — homilies, general audience and Angelus addresses — that have been released.
The stability of the 88-year-old Pontiff’s clinical condition has also led the Vatican to lighten the communication around his health: Instead of the two-a-day reports given up to now, no new medical statement is planned until Saturday, unless a new emergency arises.
Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, pro-prefect of the dicastery for institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life, led this evening’s Rosary.
This evening’s report was positive:
The Holy Father’s clinical condition has remained stable compared to previous days.
He has not experienced any episodes of respiratory insufficiency today. The Pope has continued both respiratory and motor physiotherapy with beneficial effects. Hemodynamic parameters and blood test results remain stable.
He did not run a fever. However, the prognosis remains reserved.
Given the stability of his clinical condition, the next medical bulletin will be issued on Saturday.
Today, the Holy Father engaged in some work activities in both the morning and afternoon, alternating them with periods of rest and prayer. Before lunch, he received the Eucharist.
Follow the updates on the Pope’s health here.
And today we celebrate...