Pope Francis celebrated the 12th anniversary of his election to the papacy on Thursday at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he remains under medical care for bilateral pneumonia.
According to the Holy See Press Office, Pope’s clinical condition remains stable despite its complexity. He continues to undergo respiratory therapy, alternating between non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night and high-flow oxygenation during the day. A new medical update is expected on Friday evening.
In a moment of celebration, medical staff at the hospital brought a cake with candles to Pope’s room in the afternoon. Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis also followed the annual Spiritual Exercises for the Roman Curia via video link with the Paul VI Hall.
Pope was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 for treatment and has since been closely monitored by medical professionals.