Cindy Wooden

On his 21st day in Rome’s Gemelli hospital, Pope Francis recorded a 27-second audio message thanking people for their prayers.

On his 21st day in Rome’s Gemelli hospital, Pope Francis’ condition remained stable, and he continued his respiratory and physical therapy “with benefit” March 6, his doctors said.

The nightly recitation of the rosary for Pope Francis and for all the sick “is a beautiful gesture” of affection and of faith, said Cardinal Leonardo Sandri.

As he continues to receive treatment in Rome’s Gemelli hospital, Pope Francis sent written thanks for people’s prayers, but he did not go to his hospital window as some people had hoped.

Even after Pope Francis’ doctors said he was showing slight signs of improvement and the Vatican reported that he had met in the hospital with top aides to do some work, questions persisted about the possibility of his resignation.

In a sign affirming that Pope Francis has been able to conduct work while in the hospital, the Vatican said the pope had met with the top officials of the Vatican Secretariat of State and had signed several decrees in sainthood causes.

While Italy’s main news agency reported that Pope Francis’ respiratory “crisis” had subsided, a Vatican source said he was still receiving supplemental oxygen by nasal cannula early Feb. 23.