ROME — Pope Francis continued his steady recovery from double pneumonia on Wednesday, as he approached significant milestones within his papacy: the 12th anniversary of his election on Thursday and an extended hospital stay record for a pontiff.
The Vatican announced that the Pope had a peaceful night at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. Observing his current trajectory, it is likely the 88-year-old Argentine leader will engage in the Vatican’s spiritual retreat remotely, focusing on his physical and respiratory rehabilitation. Notably, his regular Wednesday general audience was already canceled, as the Vatican hierarchy partakes in the Lenten spiritual exercises, a practice closely associated with the Jesuit pope.
Medical professionals have reported a gradual and steady improvement in Pope Francis’ health, mentioning that he is no longer in immediate danger due to the complex respiratory infection that initially led to his hospitalization on February 14. Despite these positive updates, they caution that due to the intricate nature of his condition and general frailty, an extended hospital stay with no definitive discharge date is required.
As the 12th anniversary of Francis’ election as the 266th pope approaches, it marks a momentous occasion. Formerly the Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he emerged as pope after the fifth ballot during the 2013 conclave that followed Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation. While Francis has admired Benedict’s decision to retire, suggesting he might consider a similar path, he recently reaffirmed the lifelong commitment the papacy entails.
The Vatican has not detailed how this anniversary will be celebrated, although it is a public holiday within Vatican City. Another notable date is this Friday, marking four weeks or 28 days of Francis’ hospital admission. While St. John Paul II holds the longevity record for a papal hospital stay with 55 days in 1981, Francis is poised to tie the second-longest duration at 28 days, reminiscent of John Paul’s 1994 hospitalization for hip surgery following a fall.
No photos or videos of Pope Francis have been shared since his hospital admission. Last week, he communicated an audio message to express gratitude for the prayers, though his voice revealed the extent of his frailty, exhibiting evident weakness and breathlessness.
