The ceremony began with a procession from the church of St. Anselm to the Basilica of St. Sabina.
He recommended silence, fasting and prayer to mark these 40 days of Lent.
The procession takes place from St. Anselm to the Basilica of St. Sabina on Aventine Hill, one of Rome's seven hills.
In light of the message, the president of the Vatican's hospital expresses concern about the coronavirus spreading to countries less prepared to deal with the epidemic.
