The Catholic Church opened the solemn Lenten season leading to Easter on Wednesday without the participation of Pope Francis, who was in the third week of hospital treatment for double pneumonia. A cardinal took the pope's place leading a short penitential procession between two churches on the Aventine Hill,

Francis remained in stable condition, with a guarded prognosis, meaning he was not out of danger, the Vatican said.

Fat Tuesday - or Mardi Gras - is followed by Ash Wednesday to kick off the start of Lent. Here's what to know about fish Fridays and Easter dates

In Christianity, Lent is a religious period of self-sacrifice where people give up something they enjoy- such as sweets, chocolate or alcohol- for 40 days in the lead-up to Easter Sunday, which will take place on April 20 this year.

Easter is a moveable holiday ... Ash Wednesday is the first day of the liturgical season of Lent. Members of the Catholic Church, ages 18 to 59, are required to observe Lent and fast on Ash ...

In 2025, Easter Sunday falls on April 20 for both Western (Catholic and Protestant) and Eastern Orthodox Christians. While these branches of Christianity sometimes celebrate Easter on different dates, in 2025, they coincide.