Pope Francis’s historic farewell: Vatican grieves Catholic Church’s 1st head from the Americas

The Vatican is grieving the first head of the Catholic Church from the Americas and Saturday marks the beginning of the Novendiales, nine days of mourning. It also marks the fifth day of national mourning in Italy.

Catholics in South Florida mark Ash Wednesday with Pope Francis hospitalized for 20th day

In South Florida, Catholics attended mass at churches in greater numbers to commemorate Ash Wednesday, which marks the first day of Lent, a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and charity before Easter on April 20.