<a gi-track='captionPersonalityLinkClicked' href=/galleries/search?phrase=Pope+Benedict+XVI&family=editorial&specificpeople=201771 ng-click='$event.stopPropagation()'>Pope Benedict XVI</a> leads the Ash Wednesday service at the St. Peter's Basilica on February 13, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. Ash Wednesday opens the liturgical 40-day period of Lent, a time of prayer, fasting, penitence and alms giving leading up to Easter.