Touched by the many messages of affection sent to him daily, and grateful for the prayers of the people of God, the Pope has recorded a brief audio message of thanks.

The following are the words of the Holy Father Francis, broadcast this evening at the beginning of the prayer of the Holy Rosary in Saint Peter’s Square:

Words of the Holy Father

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the Square, I accompany you from here. May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you.