Pope Leo XIV Visits Sacred Heart Parish in Rome Amidst Lenten Program

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, undertook a pastoral visit to the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Castro Pretorio, Rome, on February 23, 2026. This visit forms part of his ongoing Lenten program, which commenced with Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026.

The Pontiff's Lenten Focus

The pastoral visit aligns with the themes outlined in Pope Leo XIV's Lenten Message for 2026, titled 'Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion'. In this message, the Holy Father calls on Catholics to deepen their attentiveness to God and to 'the least among us,' and to embrace a form of fasting that extends to 'disarming our language' by refraining from hurtful words and rash judgments. He emphasized the importance of listening to the word of God and to 'the cry of the poor and of the earth' as part of a shared communal journey during Lent.

Furthermore, Pope Leo XIV and members of the Roman Curia began their annual Lenten Spiritual Exercises on February 22, 2026, in the Vatican's Pauline Chapel. These week-long exercises, led by Trappist Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim, are centered on the theme 'Illuminated by a Hidden Glory' and explore core Lenten themes such as freedom, truth, and hope within biblical and monastic traditions. The program of twice-daily meditations is scheduled to conclude on February 27, 2026.

The Historic Sacred Heart Parish

The Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Castro Pretorio, also known as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the Praetorian Barracks, is a significant landmark in Rome. Located near Termini Station, it serves as the mother church of the Salesian Order. The parish was officially established on February 2, 1879, by vicarial decree. Its construction began in 1870 under Pope Pius IX, but faced interruptions. The project was eventually completed in 1887 through the dedicated efforts of Saint John Bosco, who raised funds for its realization. The church was elevated to the dignity of a minor basilica on February 11, 1921, by Pope Benedict XV.

Pope Leo XIV: A New Era

Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Pontiff of the Catholic Church, was elected on May 8, 2025. Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., in 1955, he holds the distinction of being the first American Pope. Prior to his election, he served as an Augustinian priest, undertaking extensive missionary work in Peru and leading the Augustinian order globally from 2001 to 2013. He was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023. His papacy is anticipated to continue his predecessor's agenda, bringing a reputation for being a fair and moderate administrator.