Pope says Lenten conversion draws people closer to God, others

Published: 2006-03-01

ROME (CNS) -- The conversion called for during Lent not only draws people closer to God, but also draws them closer to others in charity and peace, Pope Benedict XVI said. Wearing new sparkling purple vestments, Pope Benedict celebrated an Ash Wednesday Mass March 1 at Rome's Basilica of Santa Sabina. In his homily, the pope said Lent is a time for Christians to perfect the "battle against sin," using the "weapons of prayer, fasting and penance." "To battle against evil, against every form of selfishness and hatred, and to die to oneself in order to live in God is the ascetic itinerary that every disciple of Jesus is called to follow with humility and patience, with generosity and perseverance," the pope said. "The docile following of the Divine Master makes Christians witnesses and apostles of peace."

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