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.

As Christians around the world mark the start of the season of Lent at Ash Wednesday services, the pope is taking part in associated traditions in his hospital room. Pope Francis had ashes imposed on his forehead at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital by another Catholic leader and also received the Eucharist,

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

The 40-day season of Lent began as Christian faithful around the world celebrated Ash Wednesday in preparation for Easter in a period for penance, reflection and fasting among those of the Catholic faith.

While Pope Francis remained hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, Italian Cardinal Angelo De Donatis celebrated the Ash Wednesday Mass in his place at the Basilica of Santa Sabina, March 5 in Rome.