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Pope Francis, currently hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli hospital, shared his reflections on Ash Wednesday through a homily released by the Vatican. The pope emphasized the themes of human fragility and hope in the Gospel, marking the beginning of Lent for Latin-rite Catholics.
In his message, Pope Francis stated that "the ashes help to remind us that our lives are fragile and insignificant: we are dust, from dust we were created, and to dust we shall return." Despite being unable to attend due to hospitalization since February 14, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis read the homily during the Ash Wednesday celebration. Cardinal De Donatis expressed unity with Pope Francis and gratitude for his prayers and sacrifices.
The ceremony commenced with a penitential procession from St. Anselm monastery to Santa Sabina Basilica, followed by Mass and ash distribution. Participants included cardinals, bishops, Benedictine monks and nuns, as well as Dominican friars and sisters.
Pope Francis addressed how life's fleeting nature is revealed through illness, poverty, hardships, weariness, fears, and failures. He also highlighted societal issues such as abuse of power and environmental exploitation contributing to "toxic dust" polluting peaceful coexistence.
Acknowledging death's inevitability as a reminder of life's brevity, he wrote that Christians find hope in Christ’s resurrection. "We are invited to lift our eyes to the One who rises from the depths of death," he stated.
The pope encouraged traditional Lenten practices: almsgiving fosters awareness beyond oneself; prayer reminds believers they are "beggars for heaven"; fasting teaches reliance on love over mere needs.
As Lent begins, Pope Francis urged turning towards God as a sign of hope for humanity.
