Overview
- He called for quiet during Lent, asking Catholics to limit TV, radio and smartphone use to recover listening, prayer and interior reflection.
- He warned that wealth, fame and power are poor substitutes for true joy and leave people dissatisfied and empty.
- He urged concrete charity by dedicating time to the elderly, the sick and the poor, and by renouncing the superfluous to share savings with those in need.
- He began a week of spiritual exercises with the Roman Curia through February 27, suspending public events including the Wednesday audience, with reflections led by Bishop Erik Varden in the Pauline Chapel.
- Argentina formally invited him to visit, a step confirmed by the Foreign Ministry after envoy Pablo Quirno delivered the letter, and Church sources say a trip is under consideration without dates or confirmation.