- 23 February, 2026
Vatican, Feb 23, 2026: Let the Lord cleanse, refine and shape you into a singular masterpiece, Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful during his midday Angelus on the first Sunday of Lent at the Vatican.
In his reflection, the Holy Father drew attention to the Gospel passage from St. Matthew, which recounts Jesus entering the desert and facing temptation from the devil (cf. Mt 4:1–11). After forty days of fasting, he noted, Christ experienced the full weight of human frailty — physically through hunger and morally through the tempter’s trials.
"He experiences the same struggle we all face on our journey," Pope Leo observed.
Yet, he emphasised, "by resisting the evil one, He demonstrates how we, too, can overcome the devil’s deception and snares."
A radiant Lenten path of renewal
Meditating on this Gospel episode, the Pope described Lent as "a luminous path" offered to believers through the Church’s liturgy.
"By means of prayer, fasting and almsgiving," the Pope continued, "we can renew our cooperation with the Lord in the crafting of our lives as a unique masterpiece."
He explained that this requires permitting God to wash away the marks of sin and restore what has been wounded, so that life may flourish in beauty and ultimately reach the fullness of love — the only true source of lasting happiness.
Nothing else truly fulfils
The Pope acknowledged that such a path demands perseverance and carries the constant danger of discouragement or the temptation to seek easier, superficial forms of fulfilment.
These very temptations, which Christ Himself endured, he said, "are merely poor substitutes for the joy for which we were created," adding, "ultimately, they leave us dissatisfied, restless and empty."
Penance that strengthens
Recalling the teaching of Saint Paul VI, the Pope noted, "For this reason, Saint Paul VI taught that penance, far from impoverishing our humanity," the Pope said, "enriches, purifies and strengthens it, as we move toward a horizon that has as its aim love and surrender to God.”
He underlined that while penance makes us conscious of our weaknesses, it also provides the grace needed to overcome them and to grow in deeper communion with God and with others.
Create space for grace
"In this time of grace," Pope Leo said, "let us practice penance generously, alongside prayer and works of mercy."
He encouraged the faithful to cultivate silence by temporarily switching off televisions, radios and mobile phones, and instead to "meditate on the Word of God, approach the Sacraments, and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit who speaks to us in our heart."
The Pope also called for renewed attentiveness within families, workplaces and communities, urging special care for those who are isolated — particularly the elderly, the poor and the sick.
Guided by the Mother of God
He further noted that by renouncing what is unnecessary, believers can share their savings with those in need. In doing so, he recalled the teaching of Saint Augustine, prayer offered in this spirit rises to heaven and brings interior peace.
The Holy Father concluded by entrusting the Lenten journey to the Virgin Mary, imploring her assistance for all her children in times of trial.
Courtesy: Vatican News
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