Pope Francis’ Lenten Message 2025: “Let Us Journey Together in Hope”

VATICAN CITY, 27 February, 2025 – Pope Francis released his message for Lent 2025 on February 6, urging Catholics worldwide to embark on a spiritual journey of faith, unity, and hope. Themed “Let Us Journey Together in Hope,” the message connects the Lenten season with the ongoing Jubilee Year, calling for conversion and a renewed commitment to walking together as a community of believers.  

The Pope emphasised that Lent begins with a call to repentance, symbolised by the imposition of ashes, and should ultimately lead to a joyful celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Drawing from St Paul’s words—“Death has been swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor 15:54-55)—he reminded the faithful that Jesus’ triumph over sin and death is the foundation of Christian hope.  

The first key theme in his message is the importance of recognising life as a pilgrimage. Pope Francis compared the biblical Exodus to the struggles of migrants today, urging believers to reflect on their own spiritual journey. “A first call to conversion thus comes from the realisation that all of us are pilgrims in this life,” he said. “Am I really on a journey, or am I standing still, not moving, either immobilised by fear and hopelessness or reluctant to move out of my comfort zone?”  

The second theme highlights the need to journey together in a spirit of synodality. The Pope called for greater solidarity within the Church, asking Catholics to examine whether they foster unity or isolate others. “Journeying together means consolidating the unity grounded in our common dignity as children of God,” he stated. “Let us all walk in the same direction, tending towards the same goal, attentive to one another in love and patience.”  

Finally, the Holy Father underscored the necessity of hope, describing it as the “anchor of the soul” (Heb 6:19). He encouraged the faithful to trust in God’s mercy, saying, “Christ, my hope, has risen! He lives and reigns in glory.” He further reminded believers that “thanks to God’s love in Jesus Christ, we are sustained in the hope that does not disappoint.”  

Concluding his message, Pope Francis invoked the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Mother of Hope, to accompany all Christians on their Lenten journey.

Courtsey: Vatican