Curia find a way to congratulate Pope on anniversary

The Roman Curia are on the penultimate day of their Lenten retreat, and Pope Francis has been connected to the event both spiritually and thanks to technology, following along from the hospital.

Thus, the members of the Curia were able to address him directly with a message.

Their two-minute greeting was read out before this afternoon's sermon, given by the preacher of the Pontifical Household, Capuchin Father Roberto Pasolini.

Addressing the 88-year-old pontiff directly, the Vatican officials assured that they treasure “the joyful memory of the evening of March 13 -- 12 years ago now -- when the packed St. Peter's Square welcomed the blessing of the new Bishop of Rome.”

Referring in their message to the “ordeal of illness” suffered by the Pope, who has been in hospital since February 14, his collaborators assured that they join in “the unceasing prayer of the people of God” for him.

They also expressed the hope that the “message of peace and fraternity” of Pope Francis' magisterium might spread in this Jubilee year.

While the Pope's usual companions had to send their message from afar, those who have been close to him for the last month were able to celebrate in person.

The Holy See Press Office announced that the medical team serving Pope Francis - made up of caregivers from the Vatican and Gemelli - wanted to celebrate the anniversary of his election (March 13, 2013) by bringing him a cake and candles.

In recent days, the Pope has also received hundreds of drawings and messages of support from children all over the world. This mail has been sent to him by public and private schools, sports associations, and also pediatric hospitals.

No date for the Pope's release from hospital has yet been put forward. He arrived at the Gemelli hospital a month ago tomorrow, on February 14.

“It takes time,” said a Vatican source, stressing that the clinical situation of the 88-year-old remains “complex.”

Tomorrow morning, March 14, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin will celebrate a Mass for the Pontiff in the Vatican's Pauline Chapel with the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See.

And the Vatican's daily Rosary, which began on February 24, will take place at 7:30 p.m. in St. Peter's Square. It will be prepared by the Dicastery for Communication.

The Curia, for their part, will be finishing their Lenten retreat.