Pope Francis marked his 12th anniversary as pontiff with a surprise celebration from the healthcare workers caring for him at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The hospital staff brought the Pope a cake with candles to commemorate the occasion.
The Pope has been hospitalized for almost a month, receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia. Despite his ongoing health issues, he was able to follow the spiritual exercises given by the Preacher of the Papal Household, Friar Roberto Pasolini, online from his hospital room.
According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope’s health has shown improvement, and his doctors have withdrawn the reserved prognosis from his diagnosis. However, he still requires oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation at night.
The Vatican continues to provide updates on the Pope’s health twice a day, with more detailed medical information released every other day. The next update is scheduled for Friday afternoon.