Vatican City, Feb 4, 2011 / 16:00 pm
This year's week-long Vatican retreat to begin the Lenten season will focus in part on Pope Benedict XVI's predecessor.
The March 13-19 talks in the Apostolic Palace will center on "The Light of Christ in the Heart of the Church - John Paul II and the Theology of the Saints," the Vatican announced on Feb. 4.
In addition to deepening the intense spiritual season of Lent, the theme of the meditations will also prepare attendees for the May 1 beatification of Pope John Paul II.
The annual series of spiritual exercises for the Pope, members of the Roman Curia and other Church officials will be given by a Frenchman, the Discalced Carmelite Fr. Francois-Marie Lethel.