Cardinal: Pope Francis must learn to speak again

(Patria) - Pope Francis is slowly regaining strength in hospital, but "must learn to speak again" after prolonged oxygen therapy, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez said yesterday.

The cardinal, who heads the Vatican office for doctrine, dismissed speculation that the pope would retire and said his health was slowly improving.

- The pope is very well, but high-flow oxygen dries everything out. He must learn to speak again, but his overall condition is the same as before - Fernandez said at the presentation of a new book of poetry by Francis.

Pope Francis (88) was hospitalised for five weeks due to bilateral pneumonia.

The Vatican released only one short audio recording of him speaking on March 6, when his voice was weak, breathless and difficult to understand.

In the latest health update yesterday, the Vatican said the pope's condition remained stable with "minor improvements in breathing and mobility".

There are still no official details on when he might return to the Vatican. Fernandez said he did not know whether he would be discharged by Easter, which falls on April 20.

Asked whether Francis might step down, the cardinal said: "I really don't think so, no."