Pope Francis’ health is showing some improvements.

Nearly three weeks after being admitted to the hospital with double pneumonia, the pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church spoke publicly for the first time in an audio message expressing his gratitude for all the support he’s received.

“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the Square,” Pope Francis said in the March 6 voice note. “I accompany you from here. May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you.”

One week before the audio message update, the 88-year-old—who was in critical condition at the time after suffering an “asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen,” per the Vatican—shared a written thank you to his supporters.

“I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,” read the Feb. 23 post shared to his X (formerly Twitter) account. “Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!”