The Holy Father celebrated the 12th anniversary of his pontificate on Thursday, March 12, together with the staff of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, while continuing to follow the Vatican’s annual spiritual exercises.
The Holy See Press Office provided an update on the Pope’s health condition on Thursday evening, in connection with the anniversary of his pontificate. In the afternoon, hospital staff brought a cake with candles to his room.
Pope Francis continued to follow the Roman Curia’s spiritual exercises via video link to the Paul VI Hall and resumed his respiratory therapy. He alternates between non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night and high-flow oxygen therapy with nasal cannulas during the day.
His clinical condition remains stable but complex. The next medical bulletin is expected to be released on Friday evening.
Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 for treatment of bilateral pneumonia.
KATT / Vatican News
– In the picture, Pope Francis is seen after being elected pope 12 years ago.