Pope Francis celebrates Ash Wednesday Mass

Marking Ash Wednesday in Rome, Pope Francis ushered in the solemn Christian Lenten period of sacrifice and reflection by encouraging people to cast off what he called the “dictatorship” of heavy agendas and superficial needs. Due to a knee problem, Francis didn't participate in the traditional Ash Wednesday procession between two churches on Rome’s Aventine Hill.

Instead, he presided over Mass after the procession in hilltop St. Sabina Basilica, where faithful gathered for the Catholic Church’s ritual distribution of ashes, reminders of people’s mortality.During the service, ashes were sprinkled on Francis' bowed head while a choir sang hymns.