Pope Francis is resting after sleeping through the night with a ventilation mask as he undergoes hospital treatment for double pneumonia.

As Christians around the world mark the start of the season of Lent at Ash Wednesday services, the pope is taking part in associated traditions in his hospital room. Pope Francis had ashes imposed on his forehead at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital by another Catholic leader and also received the Eucharist,

In his prepared March 5 catechesis, the Holy Father spoke about the 12-year-old Jesus’ desire to live his mission as the Son of God.

Pope Francis celebrated the start of the Lent religious season from his hospital suite on Wednesday, the 88-year-old's condition stable but still complex as he undergoes treatment for double pneumonia,

As Catholics around the world celebrated the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday, congregants in Nigeria took a moment to pray for the well-being of Pope Francis, who has been undergoing treatment due to health challenges.