Pope Leo XIV urges public to avoid words that 'offend and hurt' others
Pope Leo XIV has called on the public to be more mindful of their language as he discouraged words that may offend or hurt others.
In his message for this year's Lent, Pope Leo emphasized that the season is a time to renew one’s faith and resist being overwhelmed by everyday worries and distractions.
Among the things that he encourages Catholics to do is to fast, not only with food, but also with "harsh words and rash judgment."
"I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor," he said.
"Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgment, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media, and in Christian communities," he added.
Through this, Pope Leo hoped that the "words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace."
Apart from this, he also implored the public to listen, highlighting that the "willingness to listen is the first way we demonstrate our desire to enter into a relationship with someone."
"In the midst of the many voices present in our personal lives and in society, Sacred Scripture helps us to recognize and respond to the cry of those who are anguished and suffering," he said.
Pope Leo ended his message by underscoring the importance of coming together as a community to listen to God’s word and to fast.
"Let us ask for the strength that comes from the type of fasting that also extends to our use of language, so that hurtful words may diminish and give way to a greater space for the voice of others," he said.
"Let us strive to make our communities places where the cry of those who suffer finds welcome, and listening opens paths towards liberation, making us ready and eager to contribute to building a civilization of love," he added.
Lent will begin on Wednesday, Feb. 18, and will last until Thursday, April 2.