3 days ago · That was how Pope Francis started his homily for this year’s Ash Wednesday liturgy, held in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Sabina. As the Pope is currently in hospital receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia, his homily was read out by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, Major Penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary.

3 days ago · The Ash Wednesday Mass in Rome traditionally led by the Pope was presided over this March 5 by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, Major Penitentiary. The Holy Father is now on his 20th day in the hospital.

4 days ago · VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis marked Ash Wednesday on his 20th day in Rome's Gemelli hospital by taking part in the rite of the blessing of the ashes and receiving them in a short prayer service, the Vatican said. While the 88-year-old pope's overall clinical case remained complex, his condition was "stable" and he did not experience any ...

3 days ago · Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, reads the homily Pope Francis prepared for the celebration of Ash Wednesday Mass at the Basilica of Santa Sabina, March 5 in Rome.

3 days ago · Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, sprinkles ashes on the had of another cardinal during Ash Wednesday Mass at the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome March 5, 2025. Pope Francis, who is hospitalized, asked Cardinal De Donatis to preside at the liturgy in his stead. (CNS ...

3 days ago · 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.

3 days ago · Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis participated in an Ash Wednesday celebration in the morning, receiving ashes and Holy Communion. Later, he resumed his official duties, including a call ...

3 days ago · Pope Francis marked Ash Wednesday by blessing ashes and placing a call from his hospital room to a Gaza parish as Catholics around the world celebrated the first day of Lent by praying for...

Feb 14, 2024 · On Ash Wednesday, Pope Francis said that Lent is a time to look inward at our true selves and to share our deepest desires, worries, and weaknesses with the Lord in prayer.

Feb 22, 2023 · The rite of the imposition of ashes on the foreheads of the faithful – which takes place during the liturgy at the beginning of Lent – marks the beginning of our “return journey” to God, Pope Francis said during his homily for the Mass of Ash Wednesday.