February 27, 2012. (Romereports.com) A few hours before beginning his spiritual retreat, Benedict XVI went to the window of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace to pray the Angelus with thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.

The pope spoke about the season of Lent and offered some ideas on how to live these forty days.

Benedict XVI
“As we begin this holy season, I encourage everyone, guided by the power of God, to intensify in prayer, penance and the practice of charity, to become victorious and purified for the Easter celebrations.”


Benedict XVI warned of the dangers in leading a life without considerations toward God. He said it's a temptation that has always been present in human history. He also asked for prays during his days of spiritual exercises.

Benedict XVI
“I trust in your prayers the week of spiritual exercises that will begin this afternoon with my collaborators in the Roman Curia.”

The pope's spiritual retreat will last until Saturday March 3. It will take place during this first week of Lent in the Vatican's chapel of Redemptoris Mater. This year it's being led by the African Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya from the Congo.



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