No timetable yet for Pope Francis' release from hospital

The Pope's recovery is apparently continuing. Francis spent a quiet night, the Vatican announced on Wednesday morning. In the evening, the doctors treating him will provide new information on the 88-year-old's state of health. Thursday (13 March) marks the twelfth anniversary of his election as Pope.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni explained on Tuesday evening that the situation of the seriously ill lung patient remains stable with slight improvements. There is no timetable yet for his release from the Gemelli Clinic in Rome. "The Pope will be discharged when he can be discharged," said the spokesman.

Discussions about return

Bruni left open whether and how the pontiff would celebrate the anniversary of his election as the 266th pope in church history. Personal holidays are not a particular concern of Francis. The spokesman also left unanswered the question of whether or when the first photos or video recordings of the Pope in hospital would be made. Francis was taken to hospital on 14 February with a serious respiratory illness. Since then, there has been no sign of life from him apart from a short audio recording. In the barely 30-second sequence, the patient breathlessly thanks the people for their prayers in Spanish in a fragile voice.

Meanwhile, journalists and Vatican staff are discussing when and under what conditions the Pope could return to the Vatican after a possible recovery. In the Holy Week before Easter, which begins on 13 April with the Palm Sunday celebrations, the Pope traditionally presides over important liturgical celebrations in Rome. These include the ceremonies on Good Friday and, as a highlight, the globally broadcast blessing "Urbi et orbi" on Easter Sunday. (KNA)