Pope Leo XIV concluded this February 27 the week of Lenten Spiritual Exercises with a clear exhortation to the members of the Roman Curia: “Conduct yourselves, then, in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.” This is recorded in the official text published by the Bollettino of the Holy See.
The Pontiff pronounced these words at the end of the spiritual retreat held in the Pauline Chapel, especially thanking the preacher, Msgr. Erik Varden, Bishop of Trondheim, for having guided the participants in what he defined as “a profound, spiritual experience, very important in our Lenten journey.”
A spiritual experience marked by hope
Leo XIV explained that during these days he personally felt “invited to reflect” on several moments of the meditations. He especially recalled a reference to St. Bernard and the election of Pope Eugene III, citing with some irony the expression: “What have you done? May God have mercy on you,” a phrase that elicited a smile among those present.
The Pope also evoked the symbolic meaning of the Pauline Chapel, the same place where on May 8, 2025, the Eucharist was celebrated after his election as Successor of Peter. There is inscribed the verse from the Letter to the Philippians: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain,” a passage that he said he had reread during these days as a reflection on hope and its true source, which is Christ.
Freedom, truth, and the example of Newman
In his address, the Pontiff mentioned some of the themes addressed during the week, including the figure of St. John Henry Newman, proclaimed Doctor of the Church by Leo XIV, and his work The Dream of Gerontius, where the author invites contemplation of the mystery of death and judgment before God.
The Pope also highlighted the importance of freedom and truth in Christian life, emphasizing that these days of retreat have been a valuable moment for communion and reflection amid the multiple responsibilities of governance.
Resuming the Letter to the Philippians, Leo XIV quoted the passage in which St. Paul expresses his desire to “be with Christ,” but recognizes the need to remain for the progress and joy of the faith of others. From there he derived the final exhortation: “Conduct yourselves, then, in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.”
Gratitude and final blessing
The Pope expressed his gratitude to Msgr. Varden for the richness of his reflections and for the constant reference to monastic life and the figure of St. Bernard. He also thanked the collaborators of the Office of Liturgical Celebrations and the choir that accompanied the prayer, highlighting that music elevates the spirit toward God in a way that words do not always achieve.
With a blessing and a simple “thanks to all,” Leo XIV brought the Spiritual Exercises to a close, one of the central moments of the Lenten itinerary in the Vatican.