Rome, Mar 13 (UNI) Catholics around the world are marking the 12th anniversary of Pope Francis's election as pontiff by praying for his recovery.

Francis, who was elected on 13 March 2013, has been in Rome's Gemelli hospital for almost a month. He is being treated for double pneumonia and other infections, and has suffered several respiratory crises, which raised concerns about his survival.

Latest bulletins from the Vatican have said the 88-year-old is stable after a chest X-ray confirmed "improvements" in his condition in recent days, according to a BBC report.

But they said his condition was still complex and that he required further hospital treatment. It is not clear when he will be allowed to leave.

"The clinical condition of the Holy Father has remained stable in the context of an overall complex medical picture," according to a statement published by Vatican News.

"The chest X-ray performed on Tuesday has radiologically confirmed the improvements observed in the previous days," it said.

The Pope has not been seen in public since his admission to hospital and no photographs have been released.

But earlier this month, an audio recording of him speaking in his native Spanish was played in St Peter's Square in Vatican City.

His voice, as he thanked the faithful for their rosary prayers for his health, was breathless and weak.

In recent days, the Pope has joined spiritual exercises of prayers and meditation held at the Vatican via video link, without being seen.

In a break with tradition, the Holy See has provided daily updates at Francis's own request.

He has been receiving non-invasive oxygen therapy, administered by nasal tubes during the day and via a mask at night.

His illness has changed the tenor of the way Catholics are celebrating his anniversary.

Cardinal Michael Czerny, a senior Vatican official known to be close to Francis, called the occasion "a reason for gratitude".

"This year, his illness makes us especially grateful to God,… redoubling our prayers for his full recovery," the Cardinal said.

Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the first pope from the Americas.

In his native Argentina, churches across the country will hold masses of thanksgiving to mark the anniversary. The services will also include prayers for his health.

Father Claudio, who was visiting St Peter's Square from Angola, said: "The situation that we find the Holy Father in, that he is so ill, truly it is a very great worry at this moment."

He added: "We're praying for the Holy Father that he is returned to full health."

UNI XC GNK