Pope Francis marks the 12th anniversary of his election while recovering from double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli hospital. The Vatican says his condition is improving, but no discharge date has been set. His illness has reshaped how Catholics observe the milestone.
Pope Francis will mark the 12th anniversary of his election on Thursday from Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he has been treated for double pneumonia since mid-February. The Vatican has reported improvements in his condition but has not confirmed a discharge date.
Elected on 13 March 2013, Francis, the first pope from the Americas, has focused on modernising the Church, reforming the Vatican’s bureaucracy, and addressing social issues. His tenure has included 47 foreign trips, over 900 canonisations, and groundbreaking decisions, such as allowing priests to bless same-sex couples and appointing women to key Vatican roles. However, his approach has drawn criticism from some senior clergy, particularly regarding Church teachings and handling of clerical abuse.
Despite health concerns and limited mobility, Francis continues working from hospital. While speculation about a possible resignation persists, his associates insist he has no plans to step down. His schedule for 2025 includes the Catholic Holy Year and a planned visit to Türkiye for the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
Many Catholics hope he will continue advocating for key global issues, including immigration and conflict resolution.
Read next
07:00
What is a Papal conclave
Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church is preparing for one of its most ancient and secretive traditions: the papal conclave. This process to elect the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church combines centuries-old rituals with modern security measures to ensure
20:30
As cardinals prepare to choose the next leader of the Catholic Church, tensions are rising over whether Rome should continue to hold central authority in a rapidly globalizing faith.
15:30
World news
As Catholic cardinals prepare to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, a key question arises: will the papacy return to an Italian after nearly 50 years of foreign leadership?
15:13
Roman Catholic cardinals will meet in a secret conclave to elect the new leader of the global Church starting from May 7, a senior Vatican source said on Monday.
23:13
President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met ahead of Pope Francis' funeral at the Vatican, according to sources.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment