As Pope Francis bravely faces his hospital stay, the global Church gears up to honor the 12th anniversary of his papacy tomorrow.
Anticipation is high for the medical bulletin expected this evening following the rosary recitation, as confirmed by Vatican officials on Wednesday.
The Holy Father remains committed to his prescribed therapies at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, which include respiratory and active movement therapy.
Updates from the Vatican Press Office at midday reveal that Pope Francis is participating in the curial spiritual exercises via video from his hospital room. While signs of slight improvement have been noted by his medical team, his clinical situation remains intricate.
“Awaiting the doctors’ assessment, not much else is known,” a Vatican source shares. Meanwhile, believers gather to pray in the plaza before the St. John Paul II statue at Gemelli, with Masses held in the chapel at the main entrance.
Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, will lead the rosary this evening at 6 p.m.
Tomorrow marks the 12th anniversary of Pope Francis’ pontificate on March 13, with no official Vatican celebrations planned. However, numerous Catholic institutions are arranging Eucharistic celebrations to commemorate the occasion.
The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross is one such institution honoring the anniversary, as reported by ACI Stampa, CNA’s Italian-language news partner.
Rector Fernando Puig will preside over a Mass at 12:45 p.m. in the Basilica of St. Apollinare on Thursday to mark this milestone.
Puig reflects on Pope Francis’ leadership: “In these years, Pope Francis’ teachings have consistently emphasized the importance of spreading the Gospel, showing mercy, and fostering a culture of encounter and hope. As the academic community of the Holy Cross, we recommit ourselves to training priests, religious, and laity who can carry out this mission with skill and a spirit of service.”
The pontiff has been receiving treatment at the Gemelli Clinic since Feb. 14, with his most recent respiratory episode occurring over a week ago. His condition has since stabilized and shown signs of improvement.
