Pope Francis has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those who have been praying for his recovery since his hospitalization on February 14. In a message recorded in Spanish, Pope thanked the faithful for their support, saying, “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.”

The message was broadcast in St. Peter’s Square at 9 p.m. Rome time on Thursday, at the beginning of the Rosary prayer led by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Pro-prefect of the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life.

Since Monday, February 24, thousands of believers have gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pray the Holy Rosary for Pope’s health. Cardinals residing in Rome, along with members of the Roman Curia and the Diocese of Rome, have joined in these prayers as Pope continues receiving treatment for pneumonia at Gemelli Hospital.