Pope increases physical therapy as he marks start of Lent, Vatican says

A painting of Pope Francis is placed outside a hospital in Rome. Picture: Gregorio Borgia/AP

Pope Francis has increased his physical therapy with his condition remaining stable on Wednesday, marking the start of Lent by receiving ashes on his forehead and calling the parish priest in Gaza, the Vatican said.

The pope suffered no respiratory crises during the day, receiving oxygen through a nasal tube as has been the case in recent days. He will resume the use of a non-invasive mechanical mask for the night.