Pope Francis calls for unity and hope in 2025 Lenten message

As Lent 2025 approaches, Pope Francis has issued a powerful message urging Catholics worldwide to embrace the season as a time for spiritual renewal, unity, and hope. His message, titled Let Us Journey Together in Hope, aligns with the Jubilee Year’s theme, Pilgrims of Hope, emphasizing personal conversion, communal solidarity, and trust in God’s promises.

Pope Francis likened the journey of faith to the biblical Exodus, urging believers to reflect on their spiritual progress. He posed a crucial question: “Am I truly on a journey, or am I immobilized by fear and complacency?” The Pope called on the faithful to break free from sin and actions that undermine human dignity, encouraging self-examination through the lens of the struggles faced by migrants and refugees.

A key aspect of Pope Francis’ message is the importance of community and synodality — the practice of walking together in faith. He emphasized that Christians must resist isolation and embrace inclusivity.

“The Holy Spirit impels us not to remain self-absorbed, but to keep walking towards God and our brothers and sisters,” Pope Francis stated. He called on the faithful to assess whether they are welcoming and supportive of others, particularly those marginalized by society.

The Pope’s message also underscored the necessity of hope, anchored in the promise of Christ’s resurrection. Quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church, he described hope as “the sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.” He urged believers to ask themselves: “Do we truly trust in God’s mercy, or do we rely solely on ourselves?”

Referencing Saint Teresa of Avila, he reminded the faithful, “Hope, O my soul, hope. You know neither the day nor the hour. Watch carefully, for everything passes quickly.”

With global challenges such as conflicts, poverty, and environmental crises, Pope Francis called on Catholics to use Lent as a period of spiritual growth and solidarity. He emphasized the importance of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as tools for transformation.

Pope Francis concluded his message by entrusting the faithful’s Lenten journey to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, “Mother of Hope,” and prayed that she may guide them toward the joy of Easter.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, 5 March 2025.