ALLENTOWN, Pa. (WFMZ) — Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent for 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
It also marks the start of the Holy season for the first American Pope.
Pope Leo XIV led his first Ash Wednesday procession and prayer service at the Vatican.
In his first Lenten message as Pope — the Pontiff called on Christians to embrace listening, fasting, and community — while practicing what he described as an often overlooked form of abstinence.
He urged those in attendance to refrain from words that offend or wound — saying harsh language, slander, and rash judgment should give way to kindness and respect.
Pope Leo called on Christian communities to become places where those who suffer are welcome.
The 40 days of lent invite Christians to sacrifice and slow down, before Holy Thursday and Easter Sunday.
The Pontiff made headlines in May as the first American pope, along with ties to our region as a graduate of Villanova University.