ROME (AP) — A weak and breathless Pope Francis thanked people for their prayers for his recovery in a remarkable audio message broadcast Thursday, the first public sign of life from the 88-year-old pope since he was hospitalized three weeks ago with double pneumonia.
The recorded message was the first released by the Vatican since Pope Francis was hospitalized with a respiratory illness on Feb. 14.
The pope "rested well" and woke shortly after 8 a.m. Wednesday morning, his 20th day in the hospital, the Vatican said.
St. Francis is the medieval Catholic saint whose spirituality focused on loving the poor, creation, and peace.