Pope Francis skips this year’s services as he remains in hospital - Pope Francis is unable to take part in Ash Wednesday celebrations this year

The Holy Father's prognosis remains complex as he engages in Lenten traditions and Vatican duties during hospitalization.

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

Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that developed into double pneumonia.

Pope Francis, the beloved 88-year-old pontiff, has been on quite the health journey lately, and it's been a rollercoaster of emotions for Catholics worldwide. It all started on February 14, when Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital due to bronchitis.

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 the pontiff's recovery from pneumonia in both lungs.

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,

Catholics worldwide are observing Ash Wednesday as Pope Francis continues his recovery, keeping him in their prayers as they begin the Lenten season.

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.

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