On March 13, 2013, the College of Cardinals elected Pope Francis as leader of the Catholic Church. This year, he’s spending his 12th anniversary in the hospital for the 28th consecutive day. According to the Vatican, medical staff surprised the Holy Father with a cake and candles. Thankfully, it appears Pope Francis’ battle with pneumonia may finally be waning. The Vatican remains cautiously optimistic.
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“He continues to alternate between non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night and high-flow oxygenation with nasal cannulas during the day.
His clinical situation remains stable within a complex condition. A new medical bulletin is expected on Friday evening. Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 to receive treatment for bilateral pneumonia,” a news release reads.
Pope Francis celebrated the 12th anniversary of his pontificate with the medical staff of Rome's Gemelli Hospital, who brought a cake with candles to his room.https://t.co/sd3bfDPWLm pic.twitter.com/1Qh7nuJIfX
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) March 13, 2025
Many Shared Well Wishes For Pope Francis On His Anniversary
Followers and Catholics shared love on the Vatican News X post. One person wrote, “We continue to keep His Holiness Pope Francis in our prayers, and wish Him well on his Anniversary! God Bless Padre Our Lady of Knots, Pray for us!”
This person loved seeing the kindness of those caring for the Pope. “That’s so thoughtful of the medical staff… next year will be a better celebration, I am confident and hopeful. Have a nice day, Pope and hoping for your speedy recovery and strength.”
This person agreed writing, “That’s so nice that they allowed the Holy Father to light a candle in the hospital… continued prayers.”
The Vatican also shared a photo from Fordham University’s celebration of the Pope’s anniversary.
It reads, “Participants in an annual gathering at New York’s Fordham University join millions across the world in wishing Pope Francis well on the 12th anniversary of his pontificate.”
This story’s featured image is by Marco Iacobucci Epp via Shutterstock.
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