Da Pope

“Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” (Joel 2:17). The prophet Joel’s question is like a goad. It reminds us of considerations from those who look at the people of God from the outside. #Lent urges us to change direction, to convert, so that our witness may be more credible.

Only then will the Easter Triduum, which we will celebrate as the summit of the Lenten journey, unleash all its beauty and meaning. This will take place if we participate, through penance, in the passage from death to life, from powerlessness to the possibilities of God. #AshWednesday #Lent 2/2

We need to recognize our sins to convert. This itself is a sign and testimony of the Resurrection, as it means we will not remain among the ashes, but that we will rise up and rebuild. 1/2

As we begin our journey through #Lent, let us ask the Lord to grant us the gift of true conversion of heart, so that we may better respond to His love for us and share that love with those around us.

Only in this way will we be able to develop more effective and sustainable healthcare systems. 2/2

We need to rediscover the fundamental attitude of care as support and closeness to others, not only because someone is in need or is sick, but because they experience vulnerability, the vulnerability that is common to all human beings. 1/2

I express my closeness to the people of Madagascar who have been impacted by two cyclones, flooding and landslides within a short period of time. I pray for the victims, their families and for all who have suffered serious damage.

The #GospelOfTheDay (Mt 5:17-37) offers us this valuable teaching: minimal righteousness is not enough. We must have great love, which is possible with the power of God.

Jesus teaches us that true righteousness consists in love and that, within every precept of the Law, we must learn to identify a call to love. It is not enough to refrain from killing a person physically, if one then kills with words and undermines the other person's dignity.

Throughout the centuries, the Gospel has permeated the structures, standards, and ways of acting and thinking of the civilizations it has entered. It has done so not through violent revolution, but through peaceful transformation from within—through consciences and the conversion of hearts.

May #OurLadyOfLourdes, whom we celebrate today, accompany you with a mother’s care, intercede for you before God, and obtain graces to sustain you on your journey. We entrust to her all those who are ill, whom we remember with particular affection on this World Day of the Sick. #PrayTogether

I encourage you to read and contemplate the inspired word of God daily. May the Word of God nourish our hearts and minds and lead us to the fullness of life. #GeneralAudience 2/2

Praying with Scripture opens the door for an intimate relationship with God who through these sacred writings invites us into conversation with Him. 1/2

It is the only Word that is always new: revealing the mystery of God to us, it is inexhaustible, it never ceases to offer its riches. #GeneralAudience 2/2

We live surrounded by so many words, but how many of these are empty! At times we even listen to wise words, which do not however affect our ultimate destiny. On the contrary, the Word of God responds to our thirst for meaning, for the truth about our life. 1/2

Today, the memorial of Saint Josephine Bakhita, we celebrate the World Day of Prayer and Reflection Against Human Trafficking. I thank the religious and all those who are committed to combating and eliminating current forms of slavery. Together with them, I say: peace begins with dignity!

I likewise hope that the competent Authorities will continue to work with determination to ensure the safety and protection of the life of every citizen. #PrayTogether 2/2

It is with sorrow and concern that I learned of the recent attacks against various communities in Nigeria leading to a heavy loss of life. I express my prayerful closeness to all the victims of violence and terrorism. 1/2

Jesus, however, proclaims that God will never throw us away; our Father cares for our names and our uniqueness. Every wound, even the deepest, will be healed by welcoming the word of the Beatitudes and setting ourselves back on the path of the Gospel. #GospelOfTheDay (Mt 5:13-16) 2/2

Salt that has lost its flavor “is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot” (Mt 5:13). So many people feel worthless or broken. It is as if their light has been hidden. It is painful to lose flavor and give up joy; yet it is possible to have this wound in our heart. 1/2

Pope Leo has received DC’s Cardinal McElroy in private audience today.

On the occasion of the 12th World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, I firmly renew the Church’s urgent call to confront and bring an end to this grave crime against humanity. #PrayAgainstTrafficking

On the occasion of the celebration of the XXV #WinterOlympicGames and of the XIV Paralympic Games, I wish to address my greeting and good wishes to those who are directly involved, and at the same time, take this opportunity to offer a reflection for everyone.

YouTube video by The Pope Video Pray with the Pope: For children with incurable diseases | February 2026

Let us #PrayTogether that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope. #PrayerIntention @clicktopray_en

One must question whether global commitments for sustainable development have been cast aside when we see that so many children still live in extreme poverty, suffer abuse and are forcibly displaced, not to mention that they lack proper education and are isolated or separated from their families 2/2

It is a tragedy that the children and youth of our world, the ones Jesus wanted to come to Him, are so often deprived of care and access to the basic necessities of life. 1/2

The current situation demands that everything possible be done to avert a new arms race. We must urgently replace the logic of fear and distrust with a shared ethic that can guide choices on behalf of the common good and make peace a heritage safeguarded by all. 2/2

The New START Treaty, which represented a significant step to limit the proliferation of nuclear weapons, expires tomorrow. I make an urgent appeal not to allow this instrument to lapse without seeking to ensure a concrete and effective follow-up. 1/2

I express my gratitude for solidarity initiatives promoted by the Catholic dioceses of Poland and other countries, which help the population endure this period of intense cold. 2/2

Let us #PrayTogether for our brothers and sisters in #Ukraine, severely tested by the consequences of renewed attacks against energy infrastructure. 1/2