On Thursday, Pope Francis commemorated the 12th anniversary of his papacy while hospitalized, as his recovery from a complex lung infection brought a wave of optimism and good wishes. Despite his health challenges, the day was marked by positive developments in his condition, along with messages of support and a celebratory cake from hospital staff.
The Pope spent the morning participating in physiotherapy, engaging in Lenten spiritual exercises, and visiting the chapel within Gemelli Hospital. His admission to the facility began on February 14 due to a complex lung infection. The Vatican reported improvements in his health following a recent chest X-ray, and he is reportedly no longer facing an immediate risk of death.
Although his condition remains stable, the Pope’s recovery is seen as intricate, given his age, restricted mobility, and previous health issues, including part of a lung being removed earlier in life. As a result, no specific medical update was released on the anniversary.
Elected on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis became the 266th pontiff and the first from Latin America to lead the Catholic Church. This significant anniversary is recognized as a public holiday in the Vatican, yet no elaborate celebrations were arranged. A Mass, however, was conducted in his honor at the Argentine church in Rome.
The Pope received an abundance of messages and drawings from children worldwide, wishing him a swift recovery. Gemelli Hospital has become a pilgrimage site for visitors during the Jubilee Year festivities.
Among the pilgrims was Rev. Enrico Bortolaso from Veneto, who, with his group, offered prayers beside a statue of Pope John Paul II at the hospital. Alberto Jerbonato, a member of the group, expressed their hopes for the Pope’s recovery, acknowledging the challenges posed by his age and health.
Pope John Paul II, who previously spent significant time at Gemelli Hospital, humorously referred to it as “Vatican 3,” highlighting its importance in papal traditions. Reflecting on this, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro noted the significance of the Pope maintaining his ministry from a place of physical vulnerability.
Francis is noted as the first modern-day pope to spend his pontificate anniversary in the hospital. This week, he focused on a Lenten spiritual retreat, an integral aspect of his papacy, with less emphasis on administrative duties during his hospital stay.
Currently, Pope Francis receives daytime oxygen therapy and uses a non-invasive mask at night for comfort. He is also engaged in physical therapy to prevent further health complications arising from his hospitalization.
Reflecting on his legacy, Francis, formerly Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was chosen as pope after Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation. While initially lauding Benedict’s choice to step down, Francis has come to view his role as a lifelong commitment.
As Friday approaches, it will mark four weeks since the Pope’s hospital admission, underscoring the persistent journey of his recovery.
