ute=”” width=”100%” height=”100%” ] Pope Francis led the world’s 1.3 billion Roman Catholics into the Penitential season of Lent on Ash Wednesday, as a centuries-old traditional ritual was tweaked to stem the spread of coronavirus. Francis, who normally marked the start of lent with […]

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Pope Francis led the world’s 1.3 billion Roman Catholics into the Penitential season of Lent on Ash Wednesday, as a centuries-old traditional ritual was tweaked to stem the spread of coronavirus.

Francis, who normally marked the start of lent with an outdoor procession between two ancient churches in Rome, instead said a mass for about 120 people in St. Peter’s Basilica.

During Lent, which ends on Easter, Christians are called on to fast, practice more good deeds, give alms, be close to the needy and suffering, and give up something, such as sweets.

Last month the Vatican issued guidelines for Ash Wednesday in the covid era.

Ash Wednesday traditions altered this year, including in the Coachella Valley