Pope Leo XIV asked the faithful to practice a “fast” from offensive words on social media and also in political debate during the period of Lent. The recommendation was made in the traditional message released before the beginning of the liturgical season, when the pontiff proposes spiritual reflections for Christians around the world.
According to the leader of the Catholic Church, the practice of fasting should not be limited to abstinence from food, but also include attitudes and behaviors. He highlighted that this period can be lived with “a very concrete and often little appreciated form of abstinence”: renouncing words that hurt, offend or harm others, especially in public and digital environments.
Lent is celebrated during the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter and, in the Christian tradition, represents a time dedicated to reflection, prayer and penance. The pontiff’s message reinforces the proposal to use this period not only for individual religious practices, but also to promote respect, dialogue and more harmonious coexistence in society.
