Cardinal Pietro Parolin presided over the Vatican's celebrations for Ash Wednesday, which began with a procession from the Basilicas of Saint Anselm to Saint Sabina.
This tradition marks the beginning of Lent, a liturgical period dedicated to penitence, fasting, and alms-giving.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
The ashes bespeak the emptiness hiding behind the frenetic quest for worldly rewards. They remind us that worldliness is like the dust that is carried away by a slight gust of wind.
The Mass coincided with the day of prayer and fasting for peace in Ukraine called for by Pope Francis.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
On this day of prayer and fasting for Ukraine, we implore from God that peace which men and women are incapable of building by themselves.
Just days before, Cardinal Parolin announced that the Holy See is available to mediate the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
After the homily he received his ashes from the titular archbishop of the basilica, the Slovak Archbishop Jozef Tomko, who is nearly 98 years old.
JRB
TR: JM
