Skip to content

Pope Francis Starts Lenten Private Retreat at the Vatican

Lent with Pope Francis

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 

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp

EWTN

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Word of God Sunday: Scripture Expert Explains Why the Bible is ‘Modern,’ How to Preach Well

A Scripture expert who is now the official preacher of Pope Francis has explained what makes the Bible “modern” and why knowledge of the word of God is important for evangelization.

Photography Exhibition at the Vatican on How to Improve the Lives of Women

A new exhibition at the Vatican examines the ways the Church could improve the lives of women. ‘Women’s

‘God never tires of forgiving’: Pope Francis hears confessions at Roman parish

On Friday evening Pope Francis traveled out of the Vatican to hear confessions and preside over a penitential service at St. Pius V Parish in Rome.

First pilgrims begin to line up 12 hours ahead of Pope Francis’ funeral

At 9:45 p.m. in Rome, 12 hours before Pope Francis’ funeral, the first of thousands of pilgrims were already lining the streets to glimpse the late pontiff as his body made its way to his final resting place at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Vatican Christmas tree wreathed in controversy over environmental objections

An online petition posted to change.org in mid-October garnered over 53,000 signatures in protest of the evergreen being chopped down, arguing it contradicts Pope Francis’ promotion of protection for the environment.

German bishops meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican amid concern over Synodal Way

Pope Francis received the German bishops at the Vatican on Thursday. The audience with Pope Francis lasted about

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com