In his Lenten message for Ash Wednesday, Pope Francis urged the faithful not to reject or ignore death, but rather to acknowledge it with realism. His message, read by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, carries profound significance as the pontiff remains hospitalized at Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome since February 14 due to acute pneumonia.
“We are made of dirt and ash. We immediately understand how fragile we are through experiences of illness, poverty, and hardship, which sometimes strike us and our families suddenly,” Francis reflected in his message.
Meanwhile, Vatican sources stated that the pope’s pneumonia is progressing predictably and that his condition remains stable despite the overall complexity of his health situation.
**Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas**
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