Roman curia will not gather for Lenten retreat due to COVID-19

The Roman curia will not conduct their Lenten spiritual retreat together this year due to COVID-19. Just as last year, Pope Francis and the curia will privately dedicate days to withdraw in prayer. 

Accordingly, the Pope's public events will be suspended from March 6-11, including his weekly General Audience on March 9, to make time for prayer. 

Last year, Pope Francis did not participate in any public or official meetings during his private retreat, nor did he attend the Lenten reflection given by the Preacher of the Papal Household, Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa. 

In the past, Pope Francis took members of the curia to a retreat house outside of Rome to conduct the Spiritual Exercises together. For the third consecutive year, they will have to do them from home.

JM