“The Catholic unites the good and the not-so-good. However Pope Francis calls Catholics to be “not either-or” but “both-and, combining differences.” In an interview with Jesuit media outlet America, published in November 2022 he clearly stated “polarization is not Catholic.” It is easy to get caught in the debates and divisions that affect society daily.

“Especially social media, has raised a number of serious ethical issues” and many “media sites have become places of toxicity, hate speech, and fake news.” 4 Abstain from polarizations and divisions Although he acknowledged “how digital media can bring us together” by “disseminating essential information” and “uniting whole families and ecclesial communities,” it must be used wisely. This is a warning the Pontiff has given often, such as in a message in July 2022 to SIGNIS, an international Catholic association for communication. In his 2022 Lent message Pope Francis said this liturgical period is perfect for resisting the temptation of digital media, “which impoverishes human relationships.” He encouraged cultivating “authentic encounters face-to-face.”

“Let us ask the intercession of Mary Most Holy, the humble servant of the Lord, the living image of what the Lord loves to accomplish, overthrowing the powerful from their thrones and raising the humble.” 3 Abstain from digital media platforms This is prayer without humility,” he explained. Without realizing it, you adore your own ego and obliterate your God. It leads you to believe that one is righteous and to judge others. “We all run the risk of falling into this trap.

It stops us from going towards others : “Where there is too much ‘I,’ there is too little God.” The Pontiff explained that “the rite of the imposition of ashes serves as the beginning of this return journey,” which reminds us “who is the Creator and who is the creature.” This journey leads us to “the truth about ourselves,” and helps us emerge “from the fortress of our self-sufficiency.” It is an opportunity to “return to God and to our brothers and sisters.” 2 Abstain from spiritual arroganceĭuring his Sunday Angelus address on October 23, 2022, Pope Francis warned against “spiritual arrogance,” that makes us put ourselves before others and before God. “Lent is indeed the ‘favorable time’ to return to what is essential, to divest ourselves of all that weighs us down, to be reconciled with God, and to rekindle the fire of the Holy Spirit hidden beneath the ashes of our frail humanity,” said Pope Francis during his homily of the Ash Wednesday Mass on February 22, 2023. Here are 7 suggestions taken from Pope Francis’ messages, addresses, and homilies! 1 Abstain from avoiding God Lent marks the 40 days leading up to Easter where Catholics are called to fast and abstain from certain things in preparation for the celebration of victory over sin and death. This Lent, please consider making a donation to Aleteia.

Self imposition of ashes