Pope Francis has expressed profound gratitude for the ongoing prayers from the faithful as he continues his recovery from pneumonia. The Holy Father, who has been hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, delivered a prerecorded message of thanks to those gathered for the nightly rosary prayer service in St. Peter’s Square on Thursday evening, marking the first time his voice has been heard publicly since his hospitalization 21 days ago.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the square; I accompany you from here,” Pope Francis said in Spanish, his voice notably hoarse and strained from the effects of his illness. “May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you.”
Listen to Pope Francis’ recording, provided by Vatican News.
Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Pro-prefect of the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life, led the Rosary on Thursday night. In his opening prayer, Cardinal Artime invoked Mary as a source of comfort and intercession for the Holy Father: “We gather in prayer for the health of the Holy Father Francis with Mary, Mother of the Church and of Good Counsel,” he said. “The Lord filled Mary of Nazareth with gifts so that she might become a worthy mother of the Redeemer. Guided by the Holy Spirit, she sought in everything and always the will of the Lord, and magnifying his mercy she adhered intimately to Christ. To her, constituted the mother of believers, we turn to a sure refuge.”
The nightly rosary prayers, which began on February 24, have been held in St. Peter’s Square at 9 p.m., with cardinals and members of the Roman Curia joining the faithful in offering their prayers for the Pope’s recovery. As reported by the Holy See Press Office, the prayer gatherings have been broadcast across EWTN’s television networks and digital platforms to allow believers around the world to participate in this act of spiritual solidarity.
Pope Francis’ message of thanks is a testament to the deep bond between the pontiff and his flock, as well as the unifying power of prayer within the Church. As the faithful continue to pray for his swift recovery, they remain a source of strength and comfort for the Holy Father, who is profoundly grateful for their support. “I accompany you from here,” Pope Francis said, signifying his closeness to those praying for him, even as he remains in the hospital.
May the Virgin Mary, as the Pope has asked, continue to protect him, and may the collective prayers of the Church continue to bring healing and strength to the Holy Father.
