ROME — The recovery of Pope Francis from double pneumonia continued Wednesday as he inched toward notching some important milestones in his papacy: The 12th anniversary Thursday of his election as pope and a near-record in hospital stays for a pontiff. The Vatican said Wednesday that Francis had a quiet night at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.

Pope Francis had a quiet night, the Vatican said Wednesday, amid hopes the 88-year-old might be able to return home soon, after almost four weeks in hospital with pneumonia. The head of the Catholic Church has been in Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14 with pneumonia in both lungs,

As he did on Sunday, Francis participated in the retreat remotely from the Rome hospital where he is being treated. He could see and hear the Rev. Roberto Pasolini, preacher of the papal household, but the priests, bishops and cardinals gathered for the retreat in the Vatican auditorium could not see or hear him.