As the Church approaches Lent on Ash Wednesday, February 18, Pope Leo XIV released his message for Lent 2026, calling Catholics to a renewed path of listening, fasting, and communal conversion. At the heart of his reflection was a simple but demanding form of penance: refraining from harsh words and rash judgment.

The Holy Father described Lent as a privileged time to place God once again at the center of our lives. True conversion begins by allowing the Word of God to penetrate the heart. Through Sacred Scripture, believers are drawn more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, and strengthened in their commitment to follow Him.

Pope Leo emphasized the importance of listening in a world filled with noise. Christians are called to listen attentively to God and to the cries of those who suffer. This openness forms the conscience and fosters authentic relationships rooted in charity. The poor, he noted, challenge not only individual hearts but also communities and institutions, inviting all to greater justice and solidarity.

Turning to fasting, the Pope explained that this discipline reveals the deeper desires that shape human life. By engaging the body, fasting helps believers recognize what they truly hunger for and reorder their desires toward God and His righteousness. When practiced with humility and faith, it leads to greater interior freedom and a more sober way of living.

In a particularly concrete appeal, Pope Leo urged the faithful to fast from harmful speech. He called on Christians to avoid insults, slander, and judgment, especially toward those who are not present to defend themselves. This discipline applies within families, workplaces, parishes, and public discourse. By measuring our words and choosing kindness, we allow hostility to diminish and create space for hope and peace.

Lent, the Pope concluded, is a communal journey. Through attentive listening, disciplined fasting, and purified speech, Christian communities can become places of welcome and renewal, preparing hearts to celebrate the joy of Easter.