Pope Francis

This Lent, as we share in the grace of the Jubilee Year, I propose reflections on what it means to journey together in hope.

Pope Francis marked Ash Wednesday on his 20th day in Rome's Gemelli hospital by taking part in the rite of the blessing of the ashes and receiving them in a short prayer service, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis has not had any further respiratory crises a day after he experienced two of them, the Vatican said, and his condition remained "stable."

Pope Francis suffered "two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency" March 3 but remained alert, the Vatican said, giving cause for concern after two days in which his condition was described as "stable."

Pope Francis' condition remained "stable" March 2, and he "did not require non-invasive mechanical ventilation, but only high-flow oxygen therapy," the Vatican said in its evening medical bulletin.

After experiencing progressive improvement the past few days, Pope Francis experienced "an isolated crisis of bronchospasm" which led to coughing and "vomiting with inhalation," which worsened his respiratory condition, the Vatican said.

Despite Vatican updates confirming daily improvement in Pope Francis' condition following his most recent health woes, the seriousness of the now 88-year-old pontiff’s condition continues to make the future unpredictable.

Liturgical leaders in the church must serve as humble guides to prayer rather than be strictly focused on the application of rules, Pope Francis said.

To adapt the words of Our Lord, we know not the day nor the hour when Pope Francis’ health will be restored, and he will return to his papal post leading Holy Mother Church.

Pope Francis' condition showed "further slight improvement" in the previous 24 hours, the Vatican said in its evening medical bulletin Feb. 26.