“I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbour.” Pope Leo XIV made that invitation at the heart of his message for Lent 2026, which was released on 13 February.
As Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, the Pope said this liturgical season offers Christians an opportunity to place the mystery of God back at the centre of our lives. Every journey of conversion, he said, begins by letting God’s word touch our hearts, so that we may renew our commitment to follow Christ in the mystery of His saving passion, death, and resurrection.
Pope Leo focused on the importance of listening to God and to those around us, allowing ourselves to enter into authentic relationships. “In the midst of the many voices present in our personal lives and in society,” he said, “Sacred Scripture helps us to recognize and respond to the cry of those who are anguished and suffering.”
Pope Leo pointed to an under-appreciated form of abstinance, which is refraining from hurtful words. “Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves,” he said. “Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities.” If we do so, we will let words of hatred “give way to words of hope and peace.”
