Pope spending papal anniversary in hospital as pneumonia recovery continues
- Catholic News Agency
- Mar 13
- 1 min read
Updated: Mar 18
Pope Francis spent a peaceful night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he now has received treatment for pneumonia for nearly a month, the Holy See Press Office announced Thursday morning.
“The night passed restfully,” the Vatican stated in a brief morning update without providing additional details about the pope’s condition.
On Wednesday evening, officials described his situation as “stable” within a “complex overall picture.”
Today marks the pontiff’s 26th night in the medical facility, where he continues participating in the Roman Curia’s Lenten retreat exercises via video connection from his hospital room.
The hospitalization coincides with a significant milestone in Francis’ papacy — the Argentine pontiff was elected on March 13, 2013, meaning he is spending the 12th anniversary of his election to the Chair of Peter in medical care.
According to the Vatican, Monsignor Filippo Iannone, O.Carm., Prefect of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts, will lead the rosary prayer for the pontiff this evening. The nightly Rosary has become a regular spiritual practice during the pope’s extended stay at the Gemelli Clinic.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, will celebrate a special Mass for the Holy Father on Friday, March 14, at 10:30 a.m. in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace. The diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See will be present at the liturgy, which will be broadcast live via Vatican Media.
