Pope Francis suffered an isolated coughing fit on Friday that resulted in him inhaling vomit and requiring non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the Vatican said in relaying an alarming setback in his two-week long battle against double pneumonia.

Pope Francis suffered an isolated coughing fit on Friday that resulted in him inhaling vomit, requiring non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the Vatican said in relaying a setback in his two-week long battle against double pneumonia.

Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, a Vatican official, will preside over the March 5 ceremony and procession that inaugurates the church’s solemn Lenten season leading up to Easter in April.

Father Jim Curran, pastor of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Norfolk encourages parishioners and visitors to return to church as they keep the Pope in their prayers.

Catholics around the world are thinking of Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized for more than two weeks with a severe lung infection. That health battle is weighing especially heavy on a Denton County family whose son was blessed by the Pope at the Vatican as a baby.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Pope Francis is stable after suffering from two respiratory episodes this week. The 88-year-old Pope has chronic lung disease. This Ash Wednesday, millions of Catholics are lifting Francis up in prayer.

A priest holds a vessel of ashes as Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, celebrates Ash Wednesday Mass at the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome March 5, 2025. Pope Francis, who is hospitalized,

Pope Francis is still in the hospital as the church he leads marks the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. The Vatican says he is showing signs of improvement but still has a ways to go.

While many gathered today to receive ashes, a symbol of faith, worshippers in North Beach also lifted up special prayers for Pope Francis.

Pope Francis skips this year’s services as he remains in hospital - Pope Francis is unable to take part in Ash Wednesday celebrations this year

Thousands of Northeast Wisconsinites headed to church for Ash Wednesday. St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church in Oshkosh held four masses on Wednesday. Deacon John Ingala said they had about 1500 people come to church across the four masses and said that Ash Wednesday is usually one of their most well