Pope Francis’ voice was heard publicly for the first time in 21 days, as a pre-recorded audio message was played during a rosary prayer service in St. Peter’s Square on Thursday night, 6 March, 2025. In the message, the Holy Father thanked those gathered for their prayers for his health: “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the square; I accompany you from here.” The Pope’s voice was noticeably hoarse and he was out of breath, but his message was met with applause from the crowd.
The rosary prayer service was led by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. The Cardinal prayed for the Pope’s health, seeking the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church and of Good Counsel. The nightly rosary has been broadcast across EWTN’s television networks and digital platforms, and has been led by various cardinals in Rome since 24 February.