Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, celebrates a Mass to pray for Pope Francis with ambassadors accredited to the Holy See in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican March 14, 2025. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

Pope Francis had another quiet night in hospital, the Vatican said in its Friday morning update, as his recovery from bilateral pneumonia continues. The 88-year-old has now spent four weeks in hospital,

It has been a month since Pope Francis was hospitalized at the Gemelli Polyclinic. Although his health has slightly improved, he still requires intensive treatment. It is not known when he will be discharged.

Pope Francis is starting his 29th straight day in the hospital, a day after he marked the 12th anniversary of his elected pope following five ballots in a papal conclave.

Pope Francis received a surprise on the 12th anniversary of his papacy in the form of a cake. Pope Francis is having to celebrate the 12th anniversary of his papacy in the hospital, as he's been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since Valentine's Day, receiving treatment for bronchitis which developed into bilateral pneumonia.

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has marked the 12th anniversary of his pontificate in the hospital as he received increasingly positive medical news on his recovery and hundreds of messages wishing him well.