The Pope has ‘isolated’ breathing crisis in hospital, Vatican says - The update comes as crowds gather outside the hospital to wish their best to the 88-year-old Catholic leader ...

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

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

This year, Pope Francis is on the minds of many. The 88-year-old is still being treated for pneumonia at a hospital in Rome, refraining from leading Ash Wednesday services.

As millions of Catholics around the world and in Detroit begin the Lenten season, concerns over Pope Francis' health linger.

ROME - Pope Francis' condition "remained stable" on Wednesday, "without any episodes of respiratory insufficiency," according to a new update by 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.

Christians around the world, including Catholics in Los Angeles, observed Ash Wednesday, ushering in the start of the Lent, six weeks of penitence before Easter. This Ash Wednesday comes as Pope ...