During the General Audience, he reflected on the beginning of Lent. He said it's a time to practice silence in one's heart.
Seated and wearing a mask, Cardinal John Tong Hon suspended Masses in Hong Kong until Feb. 28. He asked Catholics to follow them online, including Ash Wednesday.
Pope Francis greeted many of the pilgrims gathered in Paul VI Audience Hall. He showed particular affection to this baby in pink.
The pope also asked Christians to remember the Holocaust and never let it happen again.