Pope mourns ‘ashes of international law’ on Ash WednesdayAP, ROMEPope Leo XIV opened the church’s penitential Lenten season by presiding over Ash Wednesday and lamenting the “ashes of international law and justice” that have been left by today’s wars and conflicts. Leo revived the traditional prayer and procession that Pope Francis largely delegated to others in his final years. He walked with dozens of monks, priests, bishops and cardinals from one Roman church to another and then sprinkled ashes on the heads of cardinals during Mass. Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting and reflection, starts a season of self-denial and repentance from sin known as Lent. Pope Leo XIV, back, center, takes part in the penitential procession on Ash Wednesday toward the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome.

Source: Taipei Times February 19, 2026 17:22 UTC