Pope Benedict XVI receives ashes during an Ash Wednesday Mass Feb. 6 at Rome's Basilica of Santa Sabina. Hope that is not accompanied by prayerful dialogue with God is mere illusion and an escape from reality, the pope said during the Mass to mark the beginning of Lent. (CNS photo/Alessia Giuliani, Catholic Press Photo) (Feb. 6, 2008) See POPE-ASHES Feb. 6, 2008.