Made of ashes and earth, we experience fragility through illness, poverty, and the hardships that can suddenly befall us and our families,” the pope said.

Pope Francis recorded and released an audio message on Thursday thanking those who have been praying for his recovery, his voice breathless as he nears three weeks in hospital with pneumonia. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the Square,

Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that developed into double pneumonia.

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis couldn't celebrate Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent outside the hospital.

As Pope Francis remains hospitalized in Rome, thousands of faithful from around the world have been gathering by St. Peter's and by the hospital to pray the rosary for him.