Vatican: Audio message was Pope Francis' express wish

After exactly three weeks in hospital, Pope Francis' days are characterised by alternating rest, prayer, some work, breathing and physiotherapy. The 88-year-old's condition has been stable for three days. There have been no new respiratory crises or other complications, according to Vatican sources on Friday. Nevertheless, the doctors' prognoses are still cautious due to the difficult clinical picture with bilateral pneumonia.

There are still no current photos of the Pope, but on Thursday evening his voice could be heard for the first time since 14 February: In an audio message released by the Vatican, which was broadcast at the beginning of evening prayers in St Peter's Square, Francis, breathing heavily in Spanish and with a fragile voice, thanked everyone for their many prayers for his recovery. According to Vatican sources, it was his express wish to record and publish the audio. It is hardly surprising that he spoke in his mother tongue; more people around the world understand Spanish than Italian.

Oxygen supply makes speaking difficult

There was also background noise from the oxygen supply, which was provided by two nasal tubes during the day and a breathing mask at night. This made it even more difficult for the Pope to speak during the admission, it was said. In view of the patient's continued stability, the doctors have decided not to issue a new bulletin until Saturday, provided no unexpected events occur.

On Friday evening, a prayer for the Pope's health will again take place in St Peter's Square, which will be broadcast by numerous media around the world. This time, the Korean Curia Cardinal Lazzaro Heung-sik You, Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for the Clergy, will lead the rosary prayer. The prayers, which have been held every evening since 24 February and are always presided over by a different cardinal, are to continue until further notice, according to Vatican sources.

No decision has yet been made about the Pope's midday prayer on Sunday (9 March). On each of the past three Sundays, his address was only published in writing. Normally, the head of the Church appears on Sundays at 12 noon at a window of the Apostolic Palace to the people in St Peter's Square or, in the event of illness, allows himself to be filmed in his flat in the Vatican. The Roman Curia's Lenten retreat, which is to take place "in spiritual communion" with the Pope, also begins on Sunday. It is not yet known exactly what this means. (KNA)