Pope Francis (88) has sent his first audio message since being hospitalized for double pneumonia nearly three weeks ago.

Pope Francis had a good night and continues to rest, as he battles pneumonia in hospital. The Vatican said in a statement: “The night passed quietly; the Pope is resting.” The Holy Father’s clinical condition has remained stable for the past few days as he receives treatment for bilateral pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

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

Pope Francis reached three weeks in the hospital in Rome, the longest stay of his 12-year papacy. Francis is undergoing respiratory and physical therapy.

Pope Francis's message was played before the evening rosary prayer in St Peter’s Square, which has been held every night in his honour since taking ill, and he thanked people for their support

The recording was played at the start of the evening Rosary prayer in St Peter's Square, where worshippers broke into applause.

Just outside the hospital, hundreds of the faithful with their own stories stop to pray every day at the feet of the statue of St. John Paul II at Gemelli Hospital.