The recovery of the Pope from double pneumonia continues as he inches towards some important milestones in his papacy: the 12th anniversary of his election as pope and a near-record in hospital stays for a pontiff.

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.

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,