The call of Lent, Pope Francis wrote, is a call to turn to the Lord and so become "a sign of hope for the world." ...

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, Christianity's 40-day season of prayer, fasting and giving in preparation for Jesus ...

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.

On Ash Wednesday, observant Catholics receive a sign of the cross in ashes on their foreheads, a gesture that underscores ...

The Vatican has made alternative plans for Ash Wednesday next week, making clear Pope Francis still had a long road to ...

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

A devotee with an ash cross on her forehead prays during Ash Wednesday rites March 5, 2025 at the Redemptorist Church in ...

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 40-day season of Lent began as Christian faithful around the world celebrated Ash Wednesday in preparation for Easter in ...

The pope "rested well" and woke shortly after 8 a.m. this morning, his 20th day in hospital, as his condition remains stable and his prognosis remains reserved.

Cardinal Angelo De Donatis replaced Pope Francis in Ash Wednesday celebrations. LONDON and ROME -- Pope Francis "remained stationary" on Wednesday, "without showing any episodes of respiratory ...

While not all Christians observe Ash Wednesday, those who do usually attend a service to mark the occasion. This year's Ash ...