Pope Francis has been hospitalized for three weeks with double pneumonia, marking his longest absence from the papacy. In his first public message since his hospitalization, the Pope expressed his heartfelt gratitude to well-wishers from around the world who have been praying for his recovery. The message was recorded by the Pope on Thursday from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and broadcast to those gathered in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the nightly recitation of the rosary prayer.

Speaking softly in his native Spanish with labored breaths, the Pope said, “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 88-year-old Pope was initially diagnosed with bronchitis, which later developed into pneumonia in both lungs. The condition has required continuous treatment and has raised global concern. Double pneumonia is a serious illness that inflames and scars both lungs, making it difficult for the patient to breathe.

Since the Pope’s hospitalization on February 14, pilgrims have gathered every evening in St Peter’s Square to pray for his health. When they heard his message, the crowd responded with applause, offering their support for the ailing pontiff.

On Friday, the Vatican reported that the Pope had a "calm night" of rest and woke up just before 8 a.m. However, the Vatican doctors have not specified how long the treatment will last or provided a clear prognosis. While the Pope’s condition has been described as "stable" for three consecutive days, the Vatican maintains a "reserved prognosis" as they remain uncertain about how his health will evolve.

Due to his condition, the Pope missed the formal Ash Wednesday celebrations in Rome, which mark the beginning of Lent. However, he took part in a blessing from his private suite. Historically, during previous hospitalizations, Pope Francis had made appearances from the hospital’s balcony for his weekly Angelus prayer, but he has missed the last three appearances. It remains unclear whether he will make an appearance this weekend.

On Thursday, the Vatican confirmed that Cardinal Michael Czerny would stand in for the Pope and lead the mass marking the first Sunday of Lent this weekend.

Over the past two years, Pope Francis has dealt with several health issues. His history with lung infections is linked to pleurisy, an inflammation of the lungs he suffered as a young adult, which led to part of one of his lungs being removed.

Despite his frail health, the Pope’s message of gratitude and his stability offer hope to his supporters and the Catholic community worldwide.