Photos: Ash Wednesday celebrated across the world
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Pope Francis places ashes on the head of a cardinal as he leads 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. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)