Wed Mar 05 12:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Lent Begins Amid Pope Francis’ Hospitalization
**Rome, Italy/New York, NY** – Christians worldwide will observe Lent, the 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, beginning this Wednesday, March 8th. This year’s Lenten season, a time of reflection and preparation for Easter, coincides with Pope Francis’ ongoing hospitalization in Rome.
The Pope, admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14th with a respiratory illness, remains under observation. While his condition has shown slight improvement, the Vatican reports his prognosis remains cautious.
Lent, traditionally observed for thousands of years, was officially established in 601 AD by Pope Gregory I, encompassing 46 days (40 days of fasting plus six Sundays). The season commemorates Jesus’ 40 days of fasting and prayer in the desert. Practices include abstaining from meat on Fridays and Ash Wednesday (March 8th), a day marked by the placing of ashes on foreheads in the shape of a cross, symbolizing repentance and belonging to Christ.
This year, Lent concludes on Holy Thursday, April 17th. The Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis explains that fasting and abstinence are forms of penance, expressing sorrow for wrongdoing and a commitment to turn towards God. While meat (beef, pork, chicken, and turkey) is traditionally avoided on certain days, fish, dairy, and eggs are permitted.
The observance of Lent continues regardless of the Pope’s health, serving as a significant period of spiritual reflection for millions of Christians globally.
First Piper 