Pope says Lent provides Christians chance for self-examination

Published: 2004-02-23

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The 40 days of Lent provide an opportunity for Christians to examine their lives and their relationships truthfully and sincerely, Pope John Paul II said. Lent, which Latin-rite Catholics begin this year with the Feb. 25 celebration of Ash Wednesday, "is a privileged time to intensify our commitment to conversion to Christ," the pope said during his Feb. 22 midday Angelus address. "In this way, the Lenten journey will become a favorable occasion to examine oneself with sincerity and truth and to put back into order one's life and relationships with others and with God," the pope told visitors in St. Peter's Square. Speaking from the window of his apartment, the pope also noted that Feb. 22 was the feast of the Chair of St. Peter, the symbol of Peter's teaching authority and leadership role among the Apostles and over the church. The feast, the pope said, emphasizes the mission Christ gave to Peter "to confirm and guide the church in the unity of faith."

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