As Easter approaches, Pope Francis prepares spiritually as he undertakes the Lenten journey with the Roman Curia inside the Vatican.    

For this reason, the weekly General Audiences and meetings have been canceled to allow the Holy Father and his brother cardinals to take this time for reflection.   

The tradition of Lenten Spiritual Exercises continues with an invitation from Pope Francis to the Cardinals in Rome, the heads of Dicasteries, and officials of the Roman Curia. He urges them to join in the spirit, dedicating this sacred time to prayer and preparation for Easter.   

This year’s retreat underscores a message of unity and introspection. A pause with official duties, including the General Audience on Wednesday. The focus shifts to spiritual renewal, echoing the Pope’s dedication to prayer and contemplation.   

In this time of quiet and reflection, Pope Francis in his Lenten message invites everyone to use this time to act, but “to act also means to pause. To pause in prayer, in order to receive the word of God, and to see our brothers and sisters in need.” 

Adapted by Jacob Stein