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.

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.

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 ...

Pope Francis participated in an Ash Wednesday celebration today as he marked the beginning of Lent in hospital.

Pope Francis increased his physical therapy on Ash Wednesday as his condition remained stable, marking the beginning of Lent by receiving ashes on his forehead and calling the parish priest in ...