Saint Joseph Catholic Church

The chairman of the Philippine bishops’ Commission on Inter-Religious Dialogue issued a statement, “On the Shared Observance of Ramadan and the Lenten Season 2026.”

Preaching at the principal Mass of the 34th World Day of the Sick (video, background), Cardinal Michael Czerny, SJ, asked the faithful to pray for the grace of conversion, that they might love the sick as an expression of love for God.

Pope Leo XIV offered homage to the Immaculate Conception at the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens on February 11 (video).

“Next Wednesday, the season of Lent begins,” Pope Leo said. “It is a time for deepening our knowledge and love of the Lord, for examining our hearts and our lives, as well as refocusing our gaze on Jesus and his love for us.”

The Pope added, “May these coming days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving be a source of strength as we daily strive to take up our own crosses and follow Christ.”

At the conclusion of his February 11 general audience, Pope Leo XIV spoke about Saints Cyril and Methodius in remarks to Polish-speaking pilgrims.

At a February 12 meeting with Father Davide Pagliarani, the superior general of the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), Cardinal Victor Fernandez proposed a “theological dialogue” with the traditionalist group—but insisted that the SSPX must abandon its plan to proceed with the ordination of new bishops without a papal mandate.