All of Pope Francis' activities will be suspended for the first week of Lent. Following tradition, he will spend the week in private prayer. And he has invited all Cardinals in Rome, heads of dicasteries and members of the Roman Curia to join him.
Francis has emphasized the importance of Spiritual Exercises and retreats since the beginning of his pontificate.
POPE FRANCIS
Those who live the Exercises in an authentic way experience the attraction and the appeal of God, and return renewed, transformed in ordinary life, in ministry, in daily relationships, bringing with them the fragrance of Christ.
And this renewal during the Lenten season has continued throughout his pontificate. Originally, the Pope and Roman Curia would travel by bus to a town outside of Rome, as he did in 2016.
-Welcome
-How are you?
-Welcome. We are very happy.
But now, for the fifth consecutive year, the Pope will hold the retreat in his residence inside the Vatican starting on the afternoon of Sunday, February 18th. On the afternoon of Friday, February 23rd, Pope Francis' regular schedule will resume.
AT
