Pope Francis’ Lenten message: let us ‘Journey Together in Hope’

5 Mar, 2025 | Church, Jubilee 2025, News, Pope

To coincide with the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent, which began on Ash Wednesday, 5 March, Pope Francis has released his Lenten message inviting all Christians to reflect on the themes of hope, conversion, and communal journey.  The Pope’s underscores the importance of Lent as a time of prayer, penance, and charity, and encourages believers to renew their spiritual lives in preparation for Easter.

Lent, a forty-day period commemorating Jesus’ time spent fasting and enduring temptation in the desert, is a period in the annual calendar that facilitates Christians to deepen their faith and devotion through self-examination and renewal.  In his 2025 Lenten message, Pope Francis emphasises that this journey should not be solitary, rather it can be a communal effort, with a focus on walking together in hope, much like the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land.

Pope Francis draws parallels between the biblical ‘Exodus’ and the struggles of modern-day migrants and refugees, inviting Christians to reflect on their own spiritual journey.  The Holy Father asks:  “Are we really on a journey, or are we standing still?”, and he urges the faithful to examine their lives and find ways to move beyond comfort zones and embrace acts of mercy and charity.

The Pope also stresses the significance of conversion, not only as an individual experience but as a collective one.  He calls for the Church to walk together in unity, avoiding self-centeredness and focusing on building strong relationships within communities.  He reminds us that the Lenten journey should be a time of fostering love, patience, and inclusion, ensuring no one is left behind.

In the context of this Jubilee Year – dedicated to celebrating the mission of the Church throughout the world – Pope Francis highlights “hope” as a central Lenten theme.  He invites the faithful to remember the promise of eternal life through Christ’s resurrection, encouraging them to trust in God’s mercy.  He asks, “Am I convinced that the Lord forgives my sins?” and challenges us to live with a profound sense of Christian hope that, in turn, inspires acts of justice, peace, and care for others.

Pope Francis’ Lenten message also calls the faithful to embrace the true spirit of Lent – one of prayer, penance, and charity – as they walk together in hope and anticipation of Easter.  It is a time to examine hearts, renew faith, and extend God’s mercy to others, ultimately drawing nearer to the victory of Christ over sin and death.

To read the full text of Pope Francis’ message for Lent 2025 click here.

ENDS

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