Pope Francis spent a quiet night and
woke up shortly after 8 am, the Vatican Press Office said on
Friday morning.
On Thursday the pontiff was reported to have recorded an audio
message from his room at Rome's Agostino Gemelli Hospital where
he is battling pneumonia in which he thanked well-wishers for
the many prayers for his health.
The audio message was broadcast on Thursday evening during a
daily rosary prayer led by Cardinal Angel Fernandez Artime,
Pro-prefect of the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated
Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life.
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my
health from the square; I accompany you from here", the pontiff
said in Spanish.
"May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you."
The message marked the first time the pope's voice has been
heard publicly since his hospitalization on February 14 and it
was met with applause by those gathered in the square.
In the latest medical update released on Thursday evening, the
Vatican Press Office said the pontiff's condition was stable and
he had not suffered any new respiratory crises.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who is being treated for bilateral
pneumonia, has had several respiratory crises since he was
hospitalized three weeks ago.
"The Holy Father's clinical condition remained stable with
respect previous days.
"He had no episodes of respiratory insufficiency again today",
it explained.
The bulletin went on to say that the pope had continued
"respiratory and motor physiotherapy" and had benefitted from
this.
"His haemodynamic parameters and blood tests remained stable. He
did not have a fever," the Vatican said.
The statement said the pope's prognosis remains guarded.
"Today the Holy Father dedicated himself to some work activities
during the morning and afternoon, alternating between rest and
prayer.
"Before lunch he received the Eucharist," it said.
The Vatican has been giving updates on the pope's condition
every day, but on Thursday it said that, "in view of the
stability of the clinical picture, the next medical bulletin
will be issued on Saturday".
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