Naturalistic Humanism Masquerading as Lenten Reflection

The Vatican News portal reports on an interview with Fr. Roberto Pasolini, Preacher of the Papal Household, regarding his upcoming Lenten sermons for the year 2026. Marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s death, Fr. Pasolini states the theme will be “conversion to the Gospel according to Saint Francis,” focusing on freedom, hope, mission, and fraternity. He explicitly connects the Gospel to “concrete life and its tensions,” rejects an “abstract vision” of faith, and proposes that the “humble power of love” will ultimately produce justice and peace, even amid global conflicts. He advises against “verbal violence” by questioning one’s willingness to engage in dialogue and build respectful relationships. The article concludes with a promotional call for newsletter subscriptions. The core thesis of this presentation is that the conciliar sect has reduced the Lenten call to conversion to a mere naturalistic program of ethical humanism, utterly divorced from the supernatural ends of the Catholic religion and the Social Kingship of Christ.