Vatican City, Feb 28, 2006 / 22:00 pm
Pope Benedict XVI devoted much of today’s weekly audience to the season of Lent which begins today, recalling the Biblical symbolism of the season, and calling on faithful to use the 40 days to convert their own hearts to greater love.”
The Pope told a large crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square that "the itinerary of 40 days that will lead us to the Easter Triduum, memory of the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord, heart of the mystery of salvation."
Today marks only the second weekly audience in which Benedict spoke on a topic of his own choosing, having completed a long-running catechesis series on the Psalms and Canticles, begun by his predecessor, John Paul II.
He explained that the season of Lent possesses “an undeniable evocative power,” pointing out that the 40 days aim “to recall some of the events that marked the life and history of ancient Israel."