Pope Francis sprinkles a member of the clergy with ashes during the Ash Wednesday mass leading Catholics into Lent, at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021.

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.

Pope Francis led Roman Catholics into the season of Lent at a traditional Ash Wednesday Mass, urging the faithful to use the time to put aside materialism and self-centeredness and help others.

The Mass marked Pope Francis’ first time returning to the fifth-century Roman Basilica of Santa Sabina since February 2020.. In 2021, Francis celebrated the Ash Wednesday Mass for a small group ...

Pope Francis in America 90 photos. VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis rubbed ashes on the bowed heads of prelates, nuns and ordinary Catholics Wednesday, and had them smudged on his own head, too, to ...

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis cautioned on Ash Wednesday against the temptation to allow Lenten prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to be taken over by an “illness of appearances” that cares more ...

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.

Pope Francis "rested well" and will spend his 20th day in hospital, ... Wednesday marks Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, which is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting and giving.

It was the third time they have spoken since the pope was hospitalized Feb. 14. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and leads up to Easter on April 20. A cardinal has been designated to take Francis ...

Pope Francis, right, places ash on the head of clergy members during Ash Wednesday Mass at the Vatican, on Feb. 17, 2021. Video screengrab via Vatican News ...

VATICAN CITY — The 40 days of Lent are an opportunity to turn from the slavery of sin to the freedom found in reconciliation with God, Pope Francis said on Ash Wednesday.