By Zoila Palma: Today, Pope Leo XIV urged Catholics to seek “the gift of true conversion” as the Church begins the 40-day penitential season of Lent.
The pontiff encouraged the faithful to approach the season with a sincere “conversion of heart” so they may better respond to God’s love and share it with others.
Pope Leo XIV also called on believers to live Lent with an “intense spirit of prayer,” expressing hope that the faithful would arrive inwardly renewed at the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.
Earlier, the pope greeted pilgrims from the popemobile, frequently stopping to bless babies as he moved through the square on a sunny winter day in Rome.
Continuing his weekly catechesis on the Second Vatican Council document Lumen Gentium, the pope described the Church as both a sign and an instrument of God’s plan of salvation.
He explained that the Church visibly manifests the unity achieved through Christ’s Cross and Resurrection and serves as the means by which God brings people closer to Him and to one another.
He also prayed that God would guide the Church’s mission of sanctification and reconciliation in a world still marked by division.
In his Lenten message, the pontiff encouraged the faithful to embrace fasting and to refrain from hurtful speech, highlighting traditional practices of penance, charity and missionary work during the season.
Later in the day, Pope Leo was scheduled to lead the historic Ash Wednesday procession on Rome’s Aventine Hill, culminating with Mass at the ancient Basilica of Santa Sabina, where hundreds of worshippers gathered for the observance.
The post International News: Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to seek ‘True Conversion’ this Lent appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Today, Pope Leo XIV urged Catholics to seek “the gift of true conversion” as the Church begins the 40-day penitential season of Lent. The pontiff encouraged the faithful to approach the season with a sincere “conversion of heart” so they may better respond to God’s love and share it with others. Pope
The post International News: Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to seek ‘True Conversion’ this Lent appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.