Posted: Wednesday, March 5, 2025. 11:42 am CST.
By Zoila Palma: Today, the Catholic Church began the Lenten season without Pope Francis, who is in his third week of hospital treatment for double pneumonia, AP reports.
Cardinal Angelo De Donatis led the Ash Wednesday service on Aventine Hill in the pope’s place, offering words of solidarity for the pontiff.
“We feel deeply united with him,” said De Donatis, thanking the pope for his prayers and suffering on behalf of the global church.
The Vatican reported that the 88-year-old pope, who has chronic lung disease, was stable but still in a guarded condition. After two respiratory crises earlier in the week, he continued using a ventilation mask at night. His hospitalization, which began on February 14, is the longest of his papacy.
In his homily, De Donatis reflected on human fragility, reminding attendees that Ash Wednesday symbolizes life’s brevity and mortality. He also noted the pope’s absence during a planned spiritual retreat this weekend, which will proceed in “spiritual communion” with him.
As Lent begins, the Vatican continues to care for Francis, whose treatment includes respiratory physiotherapy. Despite his health challenges, doctors have not needed to use invasive ventilation.
The church continues to uphold its teachings on life, emphasizing the importance of care for chronically ill individuals.
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The post Catholic Church opens Lent with solidarity for Pope Francis amid Pneumonia appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Wednesday, March 5, 2025. 11:42 am CST. By Zoila Palma: Today, the Catholic Church began the Lenten season without Pope Francis, who is in his
The post Catholic Church opens Lent with solidarity for Pope Francis amid Pneumonia appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
