On Thursday night, Francis' voice was heard by the public for the first time since he was admitted to the hospital. The message, recorded from the pope's room at the Gemelli Polyclinic hospital in Rome, was played out to those who have been praying for him in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the square," he said in the message.

Pope Francis spent Friday, March 7, resting and in prayer while continuing his hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was admitted on February 14. The Holy See Press Office provided an update on the Pope’s health on Friday evening, confirming that he is continuing his medical treatment, including respiratory physiotherapy. He alternates between non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night and high-flow oxygen therapy during the day via nasal cannula.

He did not have a fever and his blood tests remained stable, it said. Further health updates will not be given until Saturday, "considering the stability of the clinical picture", the Vatican said. Francis was admitted to Gemelli hospital on February 14, with the stay becoming the longest of his 12-year papacy.