Pope Francis spent another restful night at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he is marking the 12th anniversary of his election as head of the Catholic Church, the Holy See Press Office said on Thursday.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted on 14 February and is receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia. On Wednesday, the Vatican confirmed that his condition remains stable. A chest X-ray showed slight improvements, though doctors still consider his overall situation complex.
Francis continues to receive high-flow oxygen therapy during the day and non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night. His health has been under close observation in recent years, with multiple hospitalisations for respiratory and mobility issues.
The pope was elected on 13 March 2013 following the unexpected resignation of Benedict XVI, who became the first pontiff in 600 years to step down. Since then, Francis has led the Church through a period of reform, focusing on social justice, climate change, and outreach to marginalised communities.
In 2022, he stated that if he were to resign, he would take the title bishop emeritus of Rome and remain in the Italian capital. He ruled out returning to Argentina or living within the Vatican. However, he has since dismissed the idea of stepping down, calling it a “distant hypothesis” last year.
Despite his hospitalisation, the Vatican has made no official plans to mark his 12th anniversary. However, several Catholic institutions in Rome will hold events to honour the occasion.
