Pope Francis will observe his annual Lenten retreat in an individual capacity once again this year, as he continues to receive treatment for respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia, at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The Vatican announced that the retreat will take place in “spiritual communion” with the Holy Father from the evening of March 9 through the morning of March 14.
The theme of this year’s retreat is “The Hope of Eternal Life,” and it will be led by Father Roberto Pasolini, OFM Cap. “During the week, the papal preacher, Father Roberto Pasolini, OFM Cap, will give 10 spiritual reflections on this theme to cardinals and other employees of the Roman Curia and Vatican,” according to the Vatican’s official statement.
This marks the sixth consecutive year that Pope Francis will not be attending the Lenten retreat alongside the cardinals of the Roman Curia. “Since 2020, the pope has opted to do the spiritual exercises in an individual capacity,” the Vatican noted. The pope typically cancels all official appointments during this period of spiritual renewal, which is held during the first full week of Lent.
The Vatican has extended an invitation to various members of the Church hierarchy and Vatican staff, stating, “Cardinals, bishops, members of the Pontifical Family, priests, and laity working in the Vatican are all invited to attend the March 9–14 retreat.” The retreat will begin with vespers on Sunday evening and continue with two daily meditations from Monday through Thursday, concluding with a final reflection on Friday morning.
The tradition of the papal Lenten retreat dates back to the pontificate of Pope Pius XI, who first introduced it as an annual custom. Initially held during Advent, it was moved to Lent in 1964 by St. Paul VI. Under Pope Francis, the retreat was relocated to a spiritual center in Ariccia, a small town southeast of Rome, starting in 2014. “The cardinal prefects of the dicasteries of the Roman Curia would also cancel work activities to join the pontiff for the week,” the Vatican recalled.
However, in 2020, Pope Francis withdrew from the retreat due to a lingering cold, and in the following years, the retreat was modified due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “In 2021 and 2022, the retreat for the pope and curial officials was held on an individual basis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The retreat was also private in 2023 and 2024,” the Vatican stated.
As Pope Francis continues to focus on his health, the faithful are encouraged to pray for his recovery and for the fruitfulness of this year’s Lenten retreat. His choice to participate privately reflects his commitment to spiritual renewal even amid health struggles.
This year’s theme, “The Hope of Eternal Life,” serves as a poignant reminder for all Catholics to focus on the promise of Christ’s resurrection and the journey toward everlasting communion with God. May this retreat be a time of grace and reflection for all those who participate.
