Pope Leo XIV Issues Lenten Message for 2026: 'Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion'

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Deepened Faith Through Listening and Fasting

Vatican City State – Pope Leo XIV has issued his inaugural Lenten message, titled 'Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion,' calling on Catholics globally to embark on a spiritual journey marked by profound listening and a redefined understanding of fasting. The message, released from the Holy See on February 13, 2026, ahead of Ash Wednesday on February 18, outlines a path for spiritual renewal and communal engagement during the penitential season.

The Primacy of Listening in Conversion

At the core of Pope Leo XIV's message is the emphasis on listening as the fundamental starting point for conversion. He highlights the importance of making space for God's word and being attentive to the 'cry of those who suffer' and the 'cry of the poor and of the earth.' The Pontiff suggests that true listening is not passive but relational, opening pathways towards liberation and salvation. He encourages parishes, families, and religious communities to integrate this attentive listening into their shared Lenten journey, fostering a deeper connection with both divine guidance and the needs of the marginalized.

Fasting: Beyond Food to Language Abstinence

The message expands the traditional understanding of fasting, presenting it as a concrete practice that prepares individuals to receive God's word. While acknowledging abstinence from food as an ancient ascetic practice, Pope Leo XIV introduces a 'very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence': refraining from words that offend and hurt. He urges the faithful to 'disarm our language,' avoiding 'harsh words and rash judgment, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves.' Instead, he calls for the cultivation of kindness and respect in all forms of communication—within families, among friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, and within Christian communities—to transform 'words of hatred' into 'words of hope and peace.'

A Shared Journey Towards a Civilization of Love

Pope Leo XIV underscores the communal dimension of Lent, inviting communities to undertake a 'shared journey' where listening to the Word of God and the cry of the poor becomes integral to community life. He states that conversion extends beyond individual conscience to encompass the quality of relationships and dialogue, challenging believers to recognize what truly guides their desires. The message concludes with a prayer for the grace of a Lent that leads to greater attentiveness to God and to the least among us, striving to make communities places of welcome where listening generates paths of liberation and contributes to building a 'civilization of love.'