Pope Francis has recorded a short audio message from Rome's Gemelli Hospital thanking people for their prayers for his health, the first time his voice has been heard since his hospitalisation.
The message was played during an evening rosary service in St Peter's Square, where thousands gathered to pray for his recovery.
Pope Francis on Thursday sent his first audio message since being hospitalized for double pneumonia nearly three weeks ago, expressing thanks "from the bottom of my heart" to well-wishers around the world who have offered their support.
A brief, two-line message recorded by Francis from Rome's Gemelli hospital earlier on Thursday was played during a nightly prayer service for the pope in St Peter's Square at the Vatican.
