Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral
In a powerful appeal through his 2026 Lenten message, Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholics to “disarm” their language by fasting from words that wound, stressing that true repentance must transform not only individual hearts but also relationships.
Ahead of Ash Wednesday on February 18, the Holy Father described Lent as a sacred time to place “the mystery of God back at the center of our lives.” He encouraged the faithful to renew their faith amid the anxieties and distractions of daily living by turning attentively to God’s word and to one another.
Fasting from Harmful Speech
Highlighting the spiritual discipline of fasting, the Pope described it as an “ancient ascetic practice” essential to conversion. However, he emphasized that fasting must be lived in humility and in communion with the Lord. Beyond abstaining from food, he urged Catholics to fast from language that harms, divides, or diminishes others, allowing Scripture to awaken compassion for those who suffer.
A Communal Journey of Renewal
The Pope also underscored the communal dimension of Lent, noting that Scripture often presents fasting and listening as shared acts of renewal for the people of God. He invited the faithful to journey together through prayer, charity, and attentive listening , strengthening bonds within families, communities, and the wider Church.
Concluding his message, Pope Leo XIV asked believers to seek grace and strength throughout the penitential season, so that Lent may become a genuine opportunity to hear the Lord’s voice and recommit to following Christ more faithfully.
