Pope Francis celebrates 12th anniversary as president of the Vatican in hospital
14/03/2025
A poster with a picture of Pope Francis and the words 'happy anniversary' is placed in front of the Gemelli Hospital, in Rome, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo)
VATICAN: The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis celebrated the 12th anniversary of his appointment as the Vatican's supreme leader while he was still receiving treatment in hospital for respiratory problems.
The 88-year-old pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital for 28 days after suffering a respiratory infection in February before being diagnosed with pneumonia.
The Vatican said in a statement that Pope Francis continued his respiratory physiotherapy session on Thursday and still needs the help of "non-invasive mechanical ventilation" at night as well as high-flow oxygen support throughout the day. On the anniversary of his appointment as leader of the Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, doctors and nurses at the hospital celebrated him by cutting a cake as a sign of respect.
