The Pope recorded an audio message for the first time in three weeks of hospitalization

Pope Francis recorded an audio message for the first time three weeks after his hospitalization. It was published on the official Vatican News portal on March 6.

"I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the prayers you offer for my health from [St. Peter's Square]. I'll escort you out of here. May God bless you and may the Blessed Virgin protect you. Thank you," the 88—year-old pontiff addressed the Catholic faithful.

The audio recording was broadcast in St. Peter's Square in Rome at the beginning of the prayer service, which took place on March 6.

On the recording, you can hear that the pope's voice has weakened, he has shortness of breath.

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Earlier in the day, it was reported that the pope's condition was stable and he was continuing drug therapy. The forecast remains subdued. It is specified that, given the stability of the pontiff's condition, the next report on the pontiff's health status will be released on Saturday, March 8.

The Holy See's press service announced the Pope's hospitalization on February 14. On February 17, the pontiff was hospitalized due to a respiratory infection. The next day, he was diagnosed with the onset of bilateral pneumonia. On February 22, the pope needed a blood transfusion, and he also continued to receive large doses of oxygen amid an aggravated respiratory crisis. On February 25, it was reported that the pope is still in critical condition, but his indicators are stable. On March 3, it was reported that he suffered two attacks of acute respiratory failure and required non-invasive artificial ventilation.