Pope from hospital: ‘Thank you for your prayers, I accompany you from here’
“I thank you with all my heart for the prayers you offer for my health from [St. Peter’s] Square. I accompany you from here. May God bless you, and may the Virgin protect you. Thank you.”
Pope Francis’ message of thanks, recorded in Spanish, for the many testimonies of love and closeness that he has received since being admitted to hospital on 14 February, was broadcast in St. Peter’s Square at 9 pm Rome time at the beginning of the Rosary prayer, led on Thursday evening by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Pro-prefect of the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life.
“The Pope had a restful night and woke up shortly after 8:00,” the Holy See Press Office explained in a statement to journalists this morning (Friday).
Pope Francis continued his prescribed therapy, including motor physiotherapy, this morning. He continues alternating mechanical ventilation at night and high-flow supplemental oxygen during the day with the use of nasal cannulae. The situation appears stable in the context of a complex picture.
On Thursday, Pope Francis’ condition remained stable, without “any episodes of respiratory insufficiency.” The Holy See Press Office stated that “given the stability of his clinical condition, the next medical bulletin will be issued on Saturday.” However, the Press Office will continue to provide brief updates on the Holy Father.
During the day on Thursday, the Pope continued with both his “respiratory and motor physiotherapy with beneficial effects” and did not have a fever. He also alternated between rest and work
Before the beginning of the nightly Rosary held in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis sent an audio message. In it, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude for all the prayers and expressions of closeness he has received. He extended a blessing to everyone and reminded them he is accompanying them from the hospital.
The Director of the Vatican Press Office, Matteo Bruni, clarified that it was the Pope’s personal wish for his audio message to be broadcast at the start of the Rosary in St. Peter’s Square last night. Pope Francis wanted to express his gratitude to everyone for the countless prayers offered on his behalf, through which he feels “carried” and supported by the entire People of God.
https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html