Pope Leo XIV Urges Fast from Harsh Words in Lent Message

Pope Leo XIV released his message for Lent 2026 on Friday, calling on Catholics worldwide to fast from harsh words and quick judgments. The Vatican made the text public just days before Ash Wednesday on February 18, when the 40-day season starts. He ties this new kind of abstinence to classic Lenten practices like giving up food, all to draw people closer to God and each other. The pope spoke from Vatican City, where he leads the global Catholic Church.

Background

Lent runs from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, a time when Catholics remember Jesus's 40 days in the desert. People often skip meals or certain foods to focus on prayer and helping others. Pope Leo XIV, who became pope last year, gave his first full Lenten message this week. He builds on church teachings that go back centuries, but adds a fresh take suited to today's world.

Back in October 2025, the pope led a prayer vigil for peace in St. Peter's Square. That event showed his push for calm in tough times. Just last week, on February 11, he spoke to crowds in the Paul VI Audience Hall about why fasting matters. He said skipping food shakes people out of laziness and builds a real hunger for God. This sets the stage for his full message, which digs deeper into how Lent can change everyday talk and actions.

The church has long seen Lent as a reset. It pushes believers to fight bad habits and grow in faith. Pope Leo XIV points out that real change starts with letting God's words sink in. He wants Catholics to listen hard during this season, not just to prayers but to people in pain. This listening should touch families, neighborhoods, and even big issues like poverty and unfair systems.

Key Details

The pope's message, titled "Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion," lays out clear steps for the season. He starts with listening. In a busy world full of noise, he says people must tune into God's voice and the needs of the suffering. Sacred texts help spot those cries, he notes, and push for real help.

Fasting's Role

Fasting gets a big spotlight. The pope explains it does more than empty the stomach. It wakes up a hunger for fairness and cuts through numbness. By going without, people see what they really need and sort their wants. He warns it must come with faith and humility, not show-off pride. Other skips, like less spending or screen time, also build discipline.

But the pope saves his main point for words. He calls speech control an overlooked fast.

“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 lists places to try this: homes, friend groups, jobs, social media, political talks, news outlets, and church gatherings. The goal? Swap hate for hope and peace. Measure words, he says, and grow kindness and respect.

These steps are not solo efforts. Parishes, families, and church groups should do them together. Listening to God and the poor, plus fasting, should shape group life. It leads to better talks and stronger bonds. The pope ends by asking communities to welcome the hurting and open doors to freedom and love.

“Let us ask for the strength that comes from the type of fasting that also extends to our use of language, so that hurtful words may diminish and give way to a greater space for the voice of others.”

What This Means

This message hits at a time when sharp words fly fast online and in public fights. Social media posts often spark anger, and political splits run deep. The pope's call could nudge Catholics to cool things down in their circles. In families, it might mean fewer arguments at dinner. At work, less gossip behind backs. Online, holding back from mean comments.

Church leaders plan to share the message in sermons starting Ash Wednesday. Parishes may add talks or events on kind speech. Some groups could track their words during Lent, like a daily check. This fits the church's wider work on peace and justice.

For the poor and overlooked, the pope's focus on their cries means more action. Listening could lead to aid drives or policy pushes. Fasting's push for justice might free up money for charity. In all, it aims to build what he calls a civilization of love.

The message also speaks to church life. With debates inside Catholicism on big topics, kinder words could ease tensions. It reminds everyone that Lent renews not just personal faith but group ties. As Lent unfolds, watch for how leaders and everyday believers take it up. The Vatican expects it to shape prayers and habits through Easter.