Pope Francis suffered an isolated coughing fit on Friday that resulted in him inhaling vomit and requiring non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the Vatican said in relaying an alarming setback in his two-week long battle against double pneumonia.

Pope Francis suffered an isolated coughing fit on Friday that resulted in him inhaling vomit, requiring non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the Vatican said in relaying a setback in his two-week long battle against double pneumonia.

Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, a Vatican official, will preside over the March 5 ceremony and procession that inaugurates the church’s solemn Lenten season leading up to Easter in April.

While Pope Francis remained hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, Italian Cardinal Angelo De Donatis celebrated the Ash Wednesday Mass in his place at the Basilica of Santa Sabina, March 5 in Rome.

Father Jim Curran, pastor of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Norfolk encourages parishioners and visitors to return to church as they keep the Pope in their prayers.

A priest holds a vessel of ashes as Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, celebrates Ash Wednesday Mass at the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome March 5, 2025. Pope Francis, who is hospitalized,

People all over, took the day to observe Ash Wednesday, the start of the 40-day period of Lent leading up to Easter.

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis couldn't celebrate Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent outside the hospital.

The Catholic community marked Ash Wednesday as Pope Francis remains hospitalized with double pneumonia. FOX 5 NY’s Sharon Crowley reports from Saint Patrick’s Cathedral where the pope’s health is on the minds of many parishioners.

Pope Francis is still in the hospital as the church he leads marks the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. The Vatican says he is showing signs of improvement but still has a ways to go.

While many gathered today to receive ashes, a symbol of faith, worshippers in North Beach also lifted up special prayers for Pope Francis.