The recorded message was the first released by the Vatican since Pope Francis was hospitalized with a respiratory illness on Feb. 14.

The 88-year-old recorded the audio message from Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he's been receiving treatment for double pneumonia since being admitted in February

Pope Francis is unable to deliver his traditional Angelus prayer in person, with the Vatican publishing a text.

After night fell, thousands of faithful gathered in a rain-soaked, chilly St. Peter's Square for the first ... mostly grim in the monumental square, with many of the roughly 4,000 assembled understanding they may be in Rome for Francis' final days.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, presided over the rosary prayer in St. Peter’s Square, Feb. 24. A few thousand faithful gathered to pray for the recovery of Pope Francis,

The recorded message from the 88-year-old Pope was broadcast at 9 p.m. local time and was the first message he has made since he was hospitalized with double pneumonia in Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Feb.

The Vatican says Pope Francis is responding well to therapy for double pneumonia and has shown a “gradual, slight improvement” in recent days.

at the hotel" and on other nights in St. Peter's Square. Sara Schmitz, Kellen Otte and Aliana Perez were in Rome as part of a study abroad program with the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul ...

Mancuso first encountered Pope Francis in December 2017 at Santa Marta House, his residence in the Vatican City. She shouted, "Greetings, Holy Father" as he greeted staff, and recalled that "as he made the toast, he turned around and said 'Thank you.'"

With Pope Francis remaining in critical condition fighting a complex respiratory infection and bilateral pneumonia, the cardinals and curial officials in Rome have organized a rosary and special Mass for the pontiff.

As Pope Francis remains hospitalized in Rome, thousands of faithful from around the world have been gathering by St.