Pope Francis addressed his flock via an audio recording Thursday for the first time since he was admitted last month to the hospital.

Pope Francis was resting Thursday after a peaceful night during his third week of hospital treatment for double pneumonia, the Vatican said. The pope has been sleeping with a non-invasive mechanical mask to guarantee that his lungs expand properly overnight and help his recovery.

Pope Francis had a "good night" as he enters his third week of treatment for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, the Vatican said Thursday.

Pope Francis's voice was heard for the first time in three weeks since he was hospitalised with pneumonia as he thanked people for their prayers for his health

ROME -- ROME (AP) — Pope Francis was up and receiving therapy on Monday after apparently overcoming a setback in his recovery from pneumonia. The Vatican said he is stable, off mechanical ventilation and is showing no sign of new infection following a respiratory crisis late last week.

Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia, had a restful night in hospital, the Vatican said on Wednesday. The 88-year-old pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that has required continuously evolving treatment.

Pope Francis was up and receiving therapy on Monday after apparently overcoming a setback in his recovery from pneumonia.

Pope Francis, who has been struggling to overcome double pneumonia for almost three weeks, was taken off mechanical ventilation on Wednesday after using it through the night to help with his breathing,