The Vatican, though, made alternative plans for Ash Wednesday next week, making clear Francis still had a long road ahead. Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, a Vatican official and former vicar of Rome, will preside over the March 5 ceremony and procession that inaugurates the church's solemn Lenten season leading up to Easter in April.

The Vatican on Friday said Pope Francis is showing improvement as he battles double pneumonia, but will not lead an annual Church service next week to open the Christian season of Lent. The 88-year-old catholic pontiff has now spent two weeks in Rome’s Gemelli hospital,

Pope Francis had an "isolated breathing crisis" in hospital on Friday, the Vatican said, in a setback as the 88-year-old pontiff battles double pneumonia.