Pope Francis, leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, will commemorate the 12th anniversary of his election on Thursday from Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he is being treated for double pneumonia. The Vatican reports that the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition is improving, though there is no set date for his discharge.
Originally elected on March 13, 2013, Francis’s continued hospital stay has altered the tone of celebrations among Catholics. Cardinal Michael Czerny expressed gratitude for the pope’s anniversary, noting the significance of this year due to his illness and the increased prayers for his recovery.
Hailing from Argentina, Francis is the first pope from the Americas. Since assuming office at the age of 76, he has embarked on numerous reforms within the Vatican and made significant strides in engaging with the modern world. Notably, his decisions to allow blessings for same-sex couples and appoint women to leadership roles in the Vatican have drawn both praise and criticism from within the Catholic community.
As he navigates his 13th year as pope, there are uncertainties about his ability to sustain his usual pace post-hospitalization. Speculation about a possible resignation has emerged, though those close to him affirm he has no such intentions. Amidst his ongoing work and recovery, the Catholic Holy Year in 2025 promises to shape much of his upcoming schedule.
The Vatican is expecting 32 million pilgrims this year. Pope Francis is also planning a foreign trip to Turkey to attend the celebration of the 1,700th anniversary of a major Christian council of bishops in ancient Nicaea, which is now the modern town of Iznik. Vatican officials anticipate that he will push for the trip, even if it needs to be postponed beyond its original May schedule. Many Catholics are eager for Francis to continue addressing important political issues, such as immigration and global conflicts. Just before his hospitalization, Francis strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies in an open letter to America’s Catholic bishops. Vatican adviser Marie Dennis praised Pope Francis for providing vision and leadership, stating that he is exactly what the world needs in its current state of turmoil.
