Pope increases physical therapy, marks start of Lent from hospital

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis 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 Holy Father 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.Mexican painter Roberto Marquez places a painting of Pope Fran