The Pope has increased his physical therapy and marked the start of Lent in the hospital

Pope Francis receives ashes on Ash Wednesday, increases physical therapy, and remains stable during hospitalization for pneumonia.

Pope Francis increased his physical therapy with his condition remaining stable on Wednesday (March 5, 2025), marking the start of Lent by receiving ashes on his forehead and calling the parish priest in Gaza, the Vatican said.

The Holy Father suffered no respiratory crises during the day, receiving oxygen through a nasal tube as has been the case in recent days. He will resume the use of a non-invasive mechanical mask for the night.

Doctors treating the Pope for double pneumonia underlined that his prognosis remained guarded due to the complex picture. The 88-year-old Pope, who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, had two respiratory crises on Monday (March 3, 2025) in a setback to recovery.

During the morning he participated in an Ash Wednesday celebration, receiving ashes and Holy Communion. He later set to work, which included a call to the Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, the Argentine priest who is the parish priest of the Holy Family church in Gaza. It was the third time they have spoken since the Pope was hospitalized Feb. 14.

The evening health bulletin carried the first mention of physical therapy for the pope, in addition to respiratory therapy, and the Vatican said it was to ensure no other negative impacts from the longest hospitalization of his papacy.

The Catholic Church opened the solemn Lenten season leading to Easter on Wednesday without the participation of Pope Francis, who is 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, and opened an Ash Wednesday homily prepared for the pontiff with words of solidarity and thanks for Pope Francis.