Trump, First Lady Melania share Ash Wednesday message

“This Ash Wednesday, we join in prayer with the tens of millions of American Catholics and other Christians beginning the holy season of Lent—a time of spiritual anticipation of the passion, death, and Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” the statement read.

The message emphasized the significance of Lent as a period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It also acknowledged the Ash Wednesday tradition of wearing crosses of ash as “a sacred reminder of our mortality and our enduring need for Christ’s infinite mercy and redeeming love.”

“As we solemnly contemplate Jesus Christ’s suffering and death on the cross this Lent, let us prepare our souls for the coming glory of the Easter miracle,” the statement continued. “We offer you our best wishes for a prayerful and enriching Lenten season. May Almighty God bless you, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.”

The message to Catholics comes as Pope Francis has been facing ongoing health issues, which prevented him from celebrating Ash Wednesday services. The 88-year-old pontiff had needed medical intervention after two episodes of "acute respiratory failure" on Monday, according to ABC News. Francis is in stable condition amid his 20th day in the hospital.

However, due to his health concerns, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, a delegate of the pope and major penitentiary, was chosen to lead the Ash Wednesday liturgical celebration in Rome. The cardinal will deliver the homily prepared by Francis.