Lent begin today across the globe

The Catholic pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, has urged Christians across the world to abstain from words that offend and hurt others as the Lenten season begins.

In his 2026 Lenten Message released ahead of Ash Wednesday, and sighted on the Vatican website, the Pontiff described refraining from hurtful language as a “very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence.”

He said, “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.”

As Christians mark the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, Pope Leo XIV said the liturgical season offers an opportunity to place the mystery of God at the centre of life.

He explained that every journey of conversion begins by allowing God’s word to touch the heart, leading to renewed commitment to follow Christ in His passion, death and resurrection.

The Pope stressed the importance of listening, both to God and to others, noting that authentic relationships grow from attentiveness.

“In the midst of the many voices present in our personal lives and in society, Sacred Scripture helps us to recognise and respond to the cry of those who are anguished and suffering,” he said.

He added that Christians should cultivate inner openness, especially towards the poor, whose struggles challenge individuals, economic systems and even the church.

Highlighting the spiritual value of fasting, the Pontiff said it helps believers rediscover their deep desire for justice and frees them from complacency.

“Precisely because it involves the body, fasting makes it easier to recognise what we ‘hunger’ for and what we deem necessary for our sustenance,” he said.

He noted that fasting helps to properly order one’s appetites and keep alive the thirst for justice.

However, he cautioned that fasting must be done in faith and humility, warning against practices that could lead to pride.

Pope Leo XIV particularly underscored what he described as an under-appreciated form of fasting, that is, disarming one’s language.

“Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgment, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves,” he urged.

He called on Christians to cultivate kindness and respect in their families, workplaces, parishes, on social media and in political debates.

According to him, if believers embrace such discipline, words of hatred would “give way to words of hope and peace.”

The Pope also emphasised the communal dimension of Lent, encouraging parishes, families and religious communities to become places of listening and welcome, especially for those who suffer.

He concluded by praying that Christian communities would gain the strength to practise a form of fasting that extends to the use of language, creating greater space for the voices of others.