In an audio recording from the hospital, which was taped earlier on Thursday, the pope thanked Catholics for their prayers.

Francis’ feeble voice, discernible through his labored breaths and in his native Spanish, was recorded Thursday and broadcast in St. Peter’s Square.

In his homily to mark the beginning of the Lenten season today, Rev Khamisa encouraged Christians to recommit to their spiritual journey during this time of transformation. Thank you for reading ...