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Pope’s 2026 Lenten Message: "Stop Using Hurtful Words"
As Lent begins today, Ash Wednesday (February 18), the Pope is challenging Christians to look beyond just giving up food and instead focus on cleaning up the way they speak to others.
3 Main Takeaways from the Pope’s Message
1. Listen More Than You Talk
The Pope says the first step to a better life is simply listening. He points out that God is a "listener" who hears the cries of the suffering, and we should do the same.
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The Goal: Make room for God’s word and the needs of people around you.
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The Challenge: Don't let the "noise" of daily life drown out the voices of the poor or the lonely.
2. A New Kind of Fasting
While skipping meals is a traditional Lenten practice, the Pope wants us to try "Linguistic Fasting." This means intentionally refraining from words that hurt.
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What to avoid: Harsh words, quick judgments, gossip, and "speaking ill" of people behind their backs.
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Where to do it: At home, at work, in politics, and—most importantly—on social media.
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The Result: When we stop using "words of hatred," we create space for "words of hope and peace."
3. Don't Do It Alone
The Pope emphasizes that Lent is a group project. He wants parishes, families, and neighborhoods to work together to:
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Listen to the "cry of the earth" and the poor.
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Improve the quality of their relationships.
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Build a "civilization of love" where suffering people feel welcomed.
