Pope Francis asked Christians to help protect nature from human greed and exploitation during the Holy Year.

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.

Notre Dame of Maryland University’s Board of Trustees was honored with a 2025 John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership recognizing higher education governing boards that demonstrate exceptional leadership and initiative. 

Lent marks a call to live out God’s love by supporting those in desperate need across the globe, said Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace.

Pope Francis has expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of prayers from all over the world, said Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, who has visited the pope twice in the hospital.