THE pneumonia-stricken Pope Francis on Friday (local time), March 7, entered his third week of hospitalization, but doctors said he is in stable condition and undergoing theraphies.

The Vatican said the 88-year-old pontiff had a “good night’s rest” and woke up Friday morning just after 8 a.m.

Francis resumed his respiratory and physical therapy, using high flows of supplemental oxygen to help him breathe.

Doctors noted the pope’s continued stability and absence of respiratory crises or other setbacks for several days now, a report by Associated Press said.

The world saw how frail Francis is when he recorded and released a message on Thursday.

The audio message was broadcasted to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square who had gathered for the nightly recitation of the rosary prayer.

In his message, Francis, his voice barely discernible through his labored breaths, thanked the people for their prayers.

“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the square, I accompany you from here,” he said to the hushed square. “May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you,” Francis said in his native Spanish.

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