Pope Francis Stable in Hospital as Lent Begins Without Him

The 88-year-old pontiff, hospitalized with pneumonia, remains under medical care while delegating Ash Wednesday duties to Cardinal Angelo De Donatis.

Pope Francis has been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since February 14 due to pneumonia and related respiratory complications.
The Vatican reports that the pope's condition is stable, but his prognosis remains reserved as he continues to receive oxygen therapy and respiratory physiotherapy.
On Monday, the pope experienced two episodes of acute respiratory failure but showed improvement on Tuesday and Wednesday with no new incidents reported.
For the first time in his papacy, Pope Francis has missed three consecutive Sunday Angelus prayers and Ash Wednesday celebrations, delegating duties to Cardinal Angelo De Donatis.
Catholics worldwide are praying for the pope's recovery as he alternates between rest and prayer, with the Vatican releasing prepared texts for key religious events.