Pope Francis, Ash Wednesday and Lent

Pope's Ash Wednesday absence looms large as Lent begins at the Vatican
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.
Ash Wednesday procession in Rome launches Lent as Catholics unite in prayer for Pope Francis
The Catholic Church opened the solemn Lenten season leading to Easter on Wednesday without the participation of Pope Francis, who is in the third week of hospital treatment for double pneumonia.
Pope marks Ash Wednesday in hospital, receiving ashes, Eucharist
Because of the continued complexity of his case, his doctors continue to hold that his "prognosis remains guarded."
Pope Francis Health: Ash Wednesday Evening Update from Vatican
Pope Francis has increased his level of physical therapy and remains in stable condition, the Vatican said on Wednesday night.
Pope Francis observes Ash Wednesday at the hospital as his condition remains stable
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Francis’ condition remained stable on Wednesday (March 5), according to a Vatican statement relaying his doctors’ reports. As Francis is being treated for pneumonia in both lungs at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, the Vatican prepares to celebrate Lenten events without the pontiff.
Christian faithful perform Ash Wednesday mass without Pope Francis
Christian faithful perform Ash Wednesday service in Rome without Pope Francis. Roman cardinals and clergyman performed the Ash Wednesday mass in Rome as Pope Francis continues to battle pneumonio in hospital.
Pope Francis remains hospitalized on Ash Wednesday as Vatican begins Lent without him
ROME (TNND) — Vatican officials said Pope Francis is resting on this Ash Wednesday, the start of the solemn Lenten period. The 88-year-old pontiff slept through the night at Rome's Gemelli hospital, according to a statement provided by the Vatican.
Ash Wednesday celebrations continue as Pope Francis remains in hospital
Catholic cardinals in Rome marked the start of the Lent religious season on Wednesday without Pope Francis, as the 88-year-old spent his 20th day in hospital seriously ill with pneumonia.
Pope Francis’ health: Vatican provides update on Ash Wednesday
On Ash Wednesday, observant Catholics receive a sign of the cross in ashes on their foreheads, a gesture that underscores human mortality. It is an obligatory day of fasting and abstinence for Catholics that signals the start of Christianity’s most penitent season.
West neighbors pray for Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday
West neighbors pray for Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday
Catholics in the Philadelphia region mark the start of Lent while praying for Pope Francis
At Ash Wednesday services there was special consideration for the leader of the church, Pope Francis, as he remains hospitalized.
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