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,

As Lent began, Catholic women frustrated over being disenfranchised by the church despite promises of greater recognition are going on strike, withholding numerous services and ministries to their Catholic parishes,

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