A rosary to pray for the pontiff’s full recovery is a new nightly tradition in Vatican City as Pope Francis remains in critical condition while battling double pneumonia.

Ash Wednesday services are underway in Vatican City, where Pope Francis is notably absent as he continues to fight double pneumonia in the hospital. A pulmonary care physician told CNN that the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the 88-year-old pontiff can recover.

State Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola) filed a bill last week that would make it easier for owners of office and commercial properties to convert those spaces to apartments. The bill would prevent cities and counties from requiring those owners to go through a rezoning process. Dallas man sentenced in insurance fraud scheme. Jordan Ford was sentenced to 13 years in prison for a $5 million insurance fraud scheme involving eight other people. Federal authorities say Ford was the scheme’s mastermind, which involved obtaining clients’ personal information and changing their accounts to direct payments to his bank accounts. Former Dallas bishop is the Vatican’s Camerlengo. Cardinal Kevin Farrell was the bishop of the Diocese of Dallas from 2007 to 2016 before becoming a cardinal. Pope Francis appointed Farrell the Camerlengo in 2019. Should Pope Francis die, Farrell would be responsible for notifying the College of Cardinals. He would also act as the Vatican City head of state until a new pope is selected. The weather won’t suck this week. Remember how it was super cold last week, and we had to let our faucets drip? This week will bring highs in the upper 60s and lower 70s, more sun, and a good chance that your office thermostat will render your work environment extremely toasty after finally being adjusted for last week’s shenanigans.

Other than Pope Francis, these are the most powerful people at the Vatican.

But it doesn't come close to approaching the record-long stays of St. John Paul II during his quarter-century pontificate. John Paul spent so much time on the 10th floor papal suite that he referred to Gemelli as “Vatican III” — a reference that beyond the primary seat of the papacy in Vatican City,

Vatican City • Pope Francis had two acute respiratory crises Monday, the Vatican said, stoking further concerns about the health of the 88-year old pontiff, who has been hospitalized in Rome in serious condition for more than two weeks.

VATICAN CITY >> Pope Francis had an “isolated breathing crisis” in hospital today, the Vatican said, in a setback as the 88-year-old pontiff battles double pneumonia.

The Holy See Press Office has not released granular details of the pope's health but said he has shown "slight improvement over the past 24 hours."

From Vatican City to the Queen City, prayers are being said for the recovery of Pope Francis, who is currently in critical but stable condition after being diagnosed with double pneumonia.

VATICAN CITY — A light drizzle finally let up as hundreds of faithful headed to St. Peter's Square to pray the rosary for Pope Francis on the 11th day of his hospitalization for double pneumonia.

The Vatican said Pope Francis is still recovering from illness as he continues to undergo medical therapies. Officials said Pope Francis is in critical condition as he battles pneumonia and early kidney failure.