Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the recitation of the Angelus on Feb. 22, 2026. | Vatican Media
Let the Lord cleanse you, purify you and transform you into a unique masterpiece, Pope Leo XIV told the faithful on this first Sunday of Lent during his midday Angelus address in the Vatican.
In his address, the Pope recalled the day’s Gospel reading according to St. Matthew, in which Jesus enters the desert and is tempted by the devil (cf. Mt 4:1–11). After fasting for forty days, the Pope noted that physically, through hunger, and morally, through the devil’s temptations, Christ feels the weight of his humanity.
“He experiences the same struggle we all face on our journey,” Pope Leo recognised.
Yet, he marvelled, “By resisting the evil one, He demonstrates how we, too, can overcome the devil’s deception and snares.”
Luminous path of Lent to purify and blossom
Reflecting on the Lord’s personal experience in this episode, the Holy Father said the day’s liturgy “invites us to view Lent as a luminous path.”
“By means of prayer, fasting and almsgiving,” the Pope continued, “we can renew our cooperation with the Lord in the crafting of our lives as a unique masterpiece.”
“This involves allowing Him to cleanse the stains and heal the wounds of sin, as we commit to letting our lives blossom in beauty until they attain the fullness of love — the only source of true happiness.”
Nothing else satisfies
Pope Leo acknowledged that this certainly is a demanding journey, and that the risk always remains of getting discouraged or of being drawn to easier paths to satisfaction.
These temptations, which Jesus Himself faced, the Pope explained, “are merely poor substitutes for the joy for which we were created,” noting, “ultimately, they leave us dissatisfied, restless and empty.”
Penance purifies
“For this reason, Saint Paul VI taught that penance, far from impoverishing our humanity,” the Pope said, “enriches, purifies and strengthens it, as we move toward a horizon that has as its aim love and surrender to God.”
Indeed, while penance makes us aware of our limitations, it also grants us the strength to overcome them and to live, with God’s help, in deeper communion with Him and with one another.
Let’s turn off technology, meditate on God, and connect with others
“In this time of grace,” Pope Leo said, “let us practice penance generously, alongside prayer and works of mercy.”
“Let us create space for silence by turning off televisions, radios and cell phones for a while,” the Pope stressed, instead suggesting we “meditate on the Word of God, approach the Sacraments, and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit who speaks to us in our heart.”
Saying we ought to listen to one another in our families, workplaces and communities, the Pope urged everyone to pay special attention to those who are alone, especially the elderly, the poor and the sick.
Entrusting Lenten journey to Blessed Mother
The Pope also noted that by giving up what is superfluous, we can share what we save with those in need.
In doing so, as Saint Augustine taught, the Augustinian Pope highlighted, our prayer offered in this way will reach heaven and give us peace.
The Holy Father concluded by imploring the Virgin Mary, “who always assists her children in times of trial,” to help us in our Lenten journey.
Source: Vatican News