Pope Leo XIV has urged Christians worldwide to embark on a transformative journey of self-
improvement, emphasizing the importance of listening, fasting, and fostering community as a
way of making this Lenten journey a collective pursuit of finding God in our communities,
our struggles, and our triumphs.
In his 2026 Lenten message, titled “Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion,” he
invites believers to refocus on God’s central role in their lives and to cultivate inner peace and
empathy, which resonates deeply with Ignatian spirituality. The call to “find God in all
things” echoes St. Ignatius’ own experience of conversion, where he discovered God’s
presence in the everyday.
Pope Leo XIV stressed that every conversion journey begins with an open heart, ready to
embrace Christ’s teachings on His passion, death, and resurrection. He emphasized the need
for a “shared journey” during Lent, where parishes, families, and communities prioritize
listening to God’s word and the cry of the poor and the earth.
The Pope highlighted the significance of fasting as a concrete way to prepare for receiving
God’s word, encouraging believers to keep their hunger and thirst for justice alive. He also
urged Christians to abstain from harsh words and rash judgment, instead cultivating kindness
and respect in their interactions.
“Lent is a time in which the Church, guided by a sense of maternal care, invites us to place
the mystery of God back in the centre of our lives,” Pope Leo XIV wrote. “Let us ask for the
grace of a Lent that leads us to greater attentiveness to God and to the least among us”.
“Lenten journey is a welcome opportunity to heed the voice of the Lord and renew our
commitment to following Christ, accompanying him on the road to Jerusalem, where the
mystery of his passion, death, and resurrection will be fulfilled”, he said.
The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) has also issued a pastoral message for
Lent 2026, urging Catholics to embark on a journey of spiritual renewal and social
transformation. In their message, the bishops reflect on the significance of Lent as a time of
preparation for Baptism and renewal of baptismal life, calling on the faithful to fan into flame
the gift of God received in Baptism.
“The Lenten season is a time of reflection, aided by the traditional disciplines of prayer,
fasting, and almsgiving,” the bishops wrote. “It is a time to evaluate how we have lived out
our baptismal commitment — a commitment that calls us to faithfulness to Church teaching
and the demands of Christian living.”
The bishops lamented the challenges facing the Church in Zimbabwe, including corruption,
intolerance, and moral decay, saying these evils can be healed when individuals and
communities return to the foundations of their Christian life.
“Let us fan into flame the gift of God through sincere repentance, authentic witness, and
faithfulness to the Gospel,” the bishops urged. “We are convinced that when individuals and
communities return to these foundations, even the social evils that beset our nation can
gradually be healed.”
The ZCBC message echoes Pope Leo XIV’s Lenten message, which emphasized the
importance of listening, fasting, and community. The Pope called on Catholics to use Lent as
an opportunity for spiritual renewal and service to the poor.
“We must be wary of the lure of materialism and all that clutters the spirit,” the bishops
warned. “Comfort can dull our zeal, and it is only by returning to the fundamentals of our
baptismal calling that we can become credible witnesses of the Gospel.”
The bishops drew inspiration from the Jubilee of Saint Francis, urging Catholics to rediscover
Gospel simplicity in worship and in their way of life. They emphasized the importance of
orthopraxis, saying that faith must be lived out in concrete actions.
“In the light of the Gospel, which acts as a mirror for all believers, what would we say we see
reflected in our lives?” the bishops asked. “What within us stifles our spiritual growth and
stands against the baptized person we are meant to be?”
The ZCBC message is a call to action, urging Catholics to take seriously their baptismal
commitment and to work towards transforming their communities. The bishops assured
Catholics of their prayers and pastoral closeness, entrusting the Lenten journey to the mercy
of God and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
As Zimbabweans prepare for Lent, the bishops’ message serves as a timely reminder of the
importance of spiritual renewal and social transformation. The Lenten season begins on Ash
Wednesday, February 18, and culminates on Easter Sunday, April 19.
In their message, the bishops also highlighted the importance of the Church’s social teaching,
saying that it is not just a matter of personal charity, but of working towards a more just and
equitable society.
“The Church’s social teaching is rooted in the Gospel and is a call to action for all Catholics,”
the bishops said. “We must work towards creating a society that is just, peaceful, and
respectful of human dignity.”
The ZCBC message is a call to all Zimbabweans to work towards a brighter future, one that is
rooted in the values of the Gospel and guided by the principles of justice, peace, and love.
As the country grapples with numerous challenges, including economic hardship, corruption,
and social injustice, the bishops’ message serves as a beacon of hope. It reminds
Zimbabweans that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility for
transformation and renewal.
The Lenten journey is not just a personal one; it is also a communal one. It is a time for
Zimbabweans to come together, to support one another, and to work towards a common goal:
the building of a more just and equitable society.
As the bishops noted, “When individuals and communities return to the foundations of their
Christian life, even the social evils that beset our nation can gradually be healed.”
The ZCBC message is a call to action, urging Zimbabweans to take seriously their
responsibilities as citizens and as Christians. It is a call to work towards a brighter future, one
that is rooted in the values of the Gospel and guided by the principles of justice, peace, and
love.
Let us heed the bishops’ call and embark on this Lenten journey with renewed hope and
determination. Let us work towards transforming our communities and building a more just
and equitable society.
By Tadiwa Madava
English