As Christians around the world mark the start of the season of Lent at Ash Wednesday services, the pope is taking part in associated traditions in his hospital room. Pope Francis had ashes imposed on his forehead at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital by another Catholic leader and also received the Eucharist,

The Vatican says that Pope Francis has increased his physical activity, called the Catholic parish priest in Gaza and marked the start of Lent by receiving ashes on his forehead.

Christians across the world observe a 40-day period called Lent. It represents the 40 days in the Bible that Jesus had spent fasting and praying in the desert. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, and this year,

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.

In his prepared March 5 catechesis, the Holy Father spoke about the 12-year-old Jesus’ desire to live his mission as the Son of God.

An excerpt on generosity and solidarity from “Hunger for Righteousness: A Lenten Journey Towards Intimacy with God and Loving our Neighbor.”