Pope Francis begins Lenten Spiritual Exercises

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis and members of the Vatican Curia travelled on Sunday afternoon to the "Casa del Divin Maestro,” a retreat centre in Ariccia, located in the Alban hills just outside Rome. They are taking part in the week-long Curial Spiritual Exercises.

Listen to the report by Linda Bordoni:

The Pope himself reminded the faithful of his annual retreat after praying the Angelus in St Peter’s Square and asked them for prayers for himself and for his collaborators.

Each day will include moments of prayer, meditation, and Eucharistic adoration.

At the heart of this year’s meditations is the theme of the Passion, the Death and the Resurrection of Christ according to the Gospel of Matthew. 

The spiritual exercises will be led by Franciscan Friar Giulio Michelini.

The exercises are traditionally conducted during the first week of Lent, and as always, all the Pope’s audiences, including Wednesday’s General Audience, are suspended.

The participants will return to the Vatican on Friday.