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Pope Francis

Pope Francis Lent 2024 message takes as its theme: Through the Desert God Leads us to Freedom 

Today too, the cry of so many of our oppressed brothers and sisters rises to heaven. Let us ask ourselves: Do we hear that cry? Does it trouble us? Does it move us?

Pope Francis’ message for Lent 2024

In preparation for Lent 2024, Pope Francis has released his annual message, which this year takes as its theme these words from the book of Exodus:
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Ex 20:2).

The Holy Father reflects on the freedom God wants to bring each of us. He writes:
"It is time to act, and in Lent, to act also means to pause. To pause in prayer, in order to receive the word of God, to pause like the Samaritan in the presence of a wounded brother or sister. Love of God and love of neighbour are one love.... For this reason, prayer, almsgiving and fasting are not three unrelated acts, but a single movement of openness and self-emptying, in which we cast out the idols that weigh us down, the attachments that imprison us."

Read the full text of the Pope's Lent’s message.

Lent calendar 23 February

Lent Appeal 2024

Your generous gift can help people like James the fisherman feed their families, not just for today or tomorrow, but for good.