The 88-year-old pope held a written Angelus prayer, which he usually leads every Sunday on St. Peter's Square, where he thanked those who voluntarily help others in need.
"I also experience the thoughtfulness in the help and the compassion in healthcare, particularly from doctors and healthcare staff, whom I thank from the bottom of my heart", he says.
The pope is now responding well to his treatment and has had "a gradual, small improvement", according to the Vatican. He has previously needed to be on a respirator on several occasions.
Francis has been cared for at the Gemelli hospital in Rome since February 14, among other things for bilateral pneumonia.
