Pope Francis Marks 12 Years as Pontiff While Recovering in Hospital

Catholics worldwide are marking the 12th anniversary of Pope Francis’s election by praying for his recovery as he remains hospitalised in Rome.

The 88-year-old pontiff, elected on March 13, 2013, has been receiving treatment for double pneumonia and other infections at Gemelli Hospital for nearly a month. His condition, while improving, remains complex, and he continues to require medical care.

A Vatican statement confirmed that recent chest X-rays have shown progress, though there is no indication of when he will be discharged. The Pope has not appeared in public since his hospitalisation, but earlier this month, an audio recording of him speaking in Spanish was played in St. Peter’s Square, where he thanked the faithful for their prayers despite sounding weak and breathless.

Pope Francis has participated in Vatican prayer exercises via video link and has been receiving non-invasive oxygen therapy. In a rare move, the Holy See has provided daily health updates at his request.

His illness has reshaped the mood of anniversary celebrations. Cardinal Michael Czerny, a close associate, described the occasion as “a reason for gratitude,” emphasizing the need to redouble prayers for his recovery. In his native Argentina, churches are holding thanksgiving masses that include prayers for his health.

Pilgrims and visitors to St. Peter’s Square have expressed concern. Father Claudio from Angola described the Pope’s illness as “a very great worry,” while Italian student Arianna said she was relieved to hear of his improvement, calling him “a very important figure for everyone.”

Despite his fragile health, Francis continues his work from the hospital, and there is no official indication that he plans to resign. His friends and biographers insist he remains committed to leading the Church, particularly with the 2025 Holy Year approaching, which is expected to draw 32 million pilgrims to Rome.

Italian Catholic writer Andrea Tornielli, reflecting on the anniversary, thanked Pope Francis for his “still feeble voice” that joined recent Rosary prayers from his hospital room. “We still need your voice so much,” he wrote, urging the Pope to continue advocating for peace, dialogue, and compassion.