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.

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

The Synod on Synodality disappointed many women’s hopes that it would recognize women’s essential role in the church. A women’s strike, they hope, will make their point.