Overview

• Pope Francis has been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Clinic since February 14 due to a complicated bilateral pneumonia, marking his longest hospital stay as pontiff.
• Doctors report slow but steady progress in his recovery, though no discharge date has been announced.
• The Vatican confirmed the Pope spent his 12th anniversary as head of the Catholic Church in the hospital, receiving well-wishes from around the world.
• Medical staff celebrated the occasion with a cake, while the Pope participated in Vatican prayers and meditations via videoconference.
• Speculation has arisen about potential future medical care arrangements at his Vatican residence, though no official plans have been confirmed.