Ahead of Lent, Pope Leo XIV urged Catholics to cultivate a spirit of listening, fasting, and community, calling for a refrain from hurtful words to make space for hope and peace. In his 2026 Lenten message, he emphasized that the season, beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 18, offers a chance for renewed focus on God’s mystery through conversion and commitment to Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.
The Pope highlighted the significance of listening to God and others to foster authentic relationships, encouraging Christians to recognize the suffering around them. He linked fasting to a deeper desire for justice, suggesting it helps identify and channel our appetites toward good deeds while maintaining humility and community.
A key point in his message was the importance of abstaining from offensive language. He urged individuals to avoid harsh words and promote kindness in all interactions. Pope Leo also stressed the communal dimensions of listening and fasting, advocating for these practices within families, parishes, and broader communities. Ultimately, he called for words of hope to replace those of hate, enhancing the quality of lives and relationships through a commitment to justice and reconciliation.
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