Rome, Italy– Pope Leo XIV has urged Christians worldwide to embrace listening, fasting, and compassion as essential practices during Lent 2026, calling on believers to deepen their relationship with God and promote justice and reconciliation in society.
In his Lenten message released by The Holy See, the Pontiff described Lent as a period of spiritual renewal and conversion, encouraging the faithful to place God at the center of their lives and resist the distractions of daily pressures.
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Under the theme “Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion,” the Pope emphasized that listening is the first step toward building meaningful relationships with God and others. He noted that openness to God’s word helps believers recognize the suffering of others, particularly the poor and oppressed, and respond with compassion.
The Pope highlighted fasting as a long-standing spiritual practice that prepares Christians to receive God’s word by fostering self-discipline and helping believers reflect on their deeper spiritual needs. He explained that fasting should not only involve abstaining from food but also include self-denial in daily conduct, such as avoiding harsh language, slander, and judgment of others.
According to the message, controlling one’s speech and promoting kindness in families, workplaces, social media, and public discourse are vital expressions of genuine faith. The Pope said such actions help replace hatred with hope and contribute to peaceful communities.
He further stressed the communal dimension of Lent, urging parishes, families, and Christian communities to undertake a shared spiritual journey rooted in prayer, listening, and concern for the poor. This collective effort, he noted, strengthens relationships and promotes sincere repentance.
The Pontiff also called on Christians to become more attentive to the cries of those who suffer, stating that authentic conversion involves both personal transformation and a commitment to justice and reconciliation in society.
Concluding his message, the Pope prayed that the Lenten season would inspire believers to build communities marked by compassion and understanding, and to contribute to what he described as a “civilization of love.”
The message, issued from Vatican City on February 5, 2026, was released ahead of the global observance of Lent in the Christian calendar.
