Summary
By Andrea Tornielli, Pope Leo XIV emphasized during his homily at the Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Sabina Basilica that it is rare for adults to admit they have made a mistake, whether individually, commercially, or institutionally. This reality was highlighted as Lent offers an opportunity for Christians to recognize themselves as sinners and seek help and forgiveness. The Pope stressed that instead of constantly blaming external enemies, one should adopt a countercultural attitude towards personal responsibility and collective acknowledgment of sins. He noted that sin can manifest in various real-world contexts and structures, including economic imbalances, unjust systems like the arms trade, and environmental degradation. Pope Leo XIV urged reflection on actions taken by communities, nations, and international bodies regarding conflicts such as Ukraine, Gaza’s destruction, and restrictions on free speech. The Pope called for accountability and action to address these issues, emphasizing that personal sins can compound into larger “structures of sin.”
Key Topics
Pope Leo XIV, Sin, Structures of sin
