Cardinal Angelo Comastri, left, places the ashes on the head of Pope Francis during the Ash Wednesday mass, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016. Pope Francis has smudged ashes on the bowed heads of prelates, nuns and ordinary Catholics during Ash Wednesday Mass in St. Peter's Basilica. The ritual marks the start of Lent, a period of penitence, prayer and self-sacrifice as faithful prepare for Easter. (L'osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP)