The Catholic Church opened the solemn Lenten season leading to Easter on Wednesday without the participation of Pope Francis, who was in the third week of hospital treatment for double pneumonia.

As Christians around the world mark the start of the season of Lent at Ash Wednesday services, the pope is taking part in associated traditions in his hospital room.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, which is traditionally a time for Catholics and other Christians to sacrifice something that may be a distraction from their relationship with God. Bishop Michael Martin with the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte told Channel 9 that many are praying for the pope’s health.