As Lent approaches, Pope Leo XIV encourages Catholics to embrace practices of listening, fasting, and fostering community. His message underscores the importance of replacing words of division with those of hope and peace.
By Devin Watkins
“I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor.”
Pope Leo XIV made that invitation at the heart of his message for Lent 2026, which was released on Friday.
As Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, the Pope said this liturgical season offers Christians an opportunity to place the mystery of God back at the center of our lives.
Every journey of conversion, he noted, begins by allowing God’s word to inspire our hearts, leading us to renew our commitment to follow Christ in the mystery of His saving passion, death, and resurrection.
Pope Leo emphasized the value of listening to God and those around us, which fosters genuine relationships.
“In the midst of the many voices present in our personal lives and in society,” he stated, “Sacred Scripture helps us to recognize and respond to the cries of those who are anguished and suffering.”
According to the Pope, Christians can develop a genuine openness to listening—akin to God’s own—by being aware that the poor challenge our lives, economic systems, and the Church itself.
He then addressed the role of fasting in nurturing our deep desire for justice, noting that it liberates us from complacency.
“Precisely because it involves the body, fasting makes it easier to recognize what we ‘hunger’ for and what we deem necessary for our sustenance,” he explained. “Moreover, it helps us to identify and order our ‘appetites,’ keeping our hunger and thirst for justice alive.”
Fasting, he added, trains us to manage our desires, purifying and expanding them to direct them toward God and good deeds.
However, he cautioned that our fasting must stem from faith, humility, and communion with the Lord, rather than leading to pride. Other forms of self-denial can also foster a more balanced lifestyle.
Pope Leo then highlighted a commonly overlooked form of abstinence: the practice of refraining from hurtful words.
“Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgment, refraining from slander, and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves,” he advised. “Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media, and in Christian communities.”
If adopted, this practice will allow words of hatred to “give way to words of hope and peace.”
Pope Leo further emphasized the communal nature of listening and fasting, which can be expressed within our parishes, families, and religious communities.
By hearing the pleas of the poor and committing ourselves to a path of conversion to Christ, we strengthen our conscience and enhance the quality of our lives and relationships, he remarked.
“It means allowing ourselves to be challenged by reality and recognizing what truly guides our desires—both within our ecclesial communities and concerning humanity’s thirst for justice and reconciliation.”
Pope Leo XIV concluded his 2026 Lenten Message by urging Christian communities to become sanctuaries for those who suffer.
“Let us ask for the strength that comes from the type of fasting that also extends to our use of language,” he said, “so that hurtful words may diminish and give way to a greater space for the voice of others.”
Key Takeaways
- Pope Leo XIV advocates for a Lenten focus on listening, fasting, and community engagement.
- Christians are encouraged to replace hurtful language with words of kindness and respect.
- Fasting is presented as a way to cultivate desires for justice and manage appetites.
- Listening to the experiences of the poor is essential for personal and communal growth.
- The communal aspect of these practices can enhance the quality of relationships within families and communities.
FAQ
What is the primary message of Pope Leo XIV for Lent 2026?
Pope Leo XIV emphasizes the importance of listening, fasting, and nurturing community while replacing hurtful language with messages of hope.
When does Lent begin in 2026?
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
How can fasting contribute to personal growth during Lent?
Fasting helps individuals recognize their true needs and desires while fostering a hunger for justice and good deeds.
What role does community play in Pope Leo’s Lenten message?
The community aspect is essential; it enhances the practice of listening and fosters deeper relationships and engagement with social issues.
