Lenten campaign 2026
This content is free of charge, as are all our articles.
Support us with a donation and enable us to continue to reach millions of readers.
When Pope Leo begins his first Lent as pontiff this afternoon, he will follow an ancient tradition that sees the Successor of Peter process between two churches on the Aventine Hill.
The churches are entrusted to two of the Church's ancient orders: the Benedictines and the Dominicans.
Writing for the Diocese of South Bend, Indiana, the Dominican priest in charge of communications for the worldwide order, Father Patrick Briscoe, noted how the church where Pope Leo will celebrate Ash Wednesday Mass and receive his ashes has the oldest known depiction of the crucifixion.
The basilica’s grand antique carved cypress doors date to A.D. 432. And in the upper left corner, on a small panel measuring 16 inches wide and 12 inches high, hangs Our Lord between two thieves.
Follow live
The events start this afternoon, first at the Church of Saint Anselm, at 4:30 Rome time, with a penitential procession then to the Basilica of Saint Sabina.
Mass will begin at 5 pm, Rome time, and can be followed on the Vatican's homepage or YouTube channel.
As the Holy Father invited this morning at the end of the general audience, "Let us ask the Lord to help us accept with open hearts the graces he wishes to give us during this season of Lent."
