"From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for the prayers for my health from the square, where I am here (at the hospital) with you all," Pope Francis said. "May God bless you and the Virgin Mary protect you all. Thank you all," he concluded with a brief thank you.

Earlier, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, who led the Rosary prayer on the night of March 6, told the crowd that he had "great news and a gift to share." The crowd was visibly surprised and applauded after the Pope concluded his message with words of thanks.

The Vatican has been providing twice-daily updates on the Pope's health since he was admitted to hospital on February 14 with a persistent bronchitis. The infection later developed into a complicated respiratory infection and diffuse pneumonia in both lungs.

Pope Francis has not been seen since, and handwritten messages have been transmitted from the Gemelli hospital.

Early morning of March 7 (Vietnam time), the Holy See Press Office announced that the Pope's condition is stable and there has been no recurrence of respiratory failure. Blood test results are still good. The Holy Father continues breathing exercises and physical therapy, has no fever and completed some work in the morning and afternoon.

Compared to previous popes, Pope Francis is extremely interested in direct and indirect communication with believers. He often allows believers to record videos to share with the community.

And the first recorded message from Gemelli Hospital is proof that he was aware of the power of his voice, even in his weakened state.