Cardinal Berhaneyesus Issues Lenten Call for Peace, Inner Transformation, and Moral Vigilance Message

By Habtamu Abrdew Beture

ADDIS ABABA – As the Catholic Church enters the liturgical season of Lent 2026, His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus D. Souraphiel, Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa, has released a Lenten message calling on the faithful to move beyond external observances and embrace a profound "interior transformation of the heart."

The message, issued on February 16, 2026, centers on the biblical theme from Matthew 6:17-18, urging believers to fast and pray in secret, seeking a genuine connection with God rather than the approval of others.

In his address to the Catholic faithful in Ethiopia, abroad and all people of good will, the Cardinal emphasized that the traditional Lenten fast must extend far beyond dietary abstinence. He defined the "true fast" as a withdrawal from the noise of the modern world. Refraining from harmful speech, gossip, and judgment, Stepping back from "habitual worldly distractions" to create space for the voice of God, and Examining one's conscience with sincerity and humility.

"To fast as our Church teaches is not merely to abstain from food, but to abstain from sin and from every action that wounds our neighbor," the Cardinal stated. "In silence we discover peace; through attentive listening we gain understanding."

Acknowledging a world "burdened by conflict, injustice, misinformation, and suffering," Cardinal Berhaneyesus urged the community to use this sacred season to pray for those on the margins. His Eminence specifically called for prayers for: Victims of war and displacement. The imprisoned and those carrying heavy emotional burdens. National and global leaders, that they may govern with "wisdom and integrity." Protection from both man-made and natural disasters.

Citing Pope Francis’s apostolic exhortation Fratelli tutti, the Cardinal highlighted that authentic dialogue and reconciliation begin with the act of listening. He described listening not as a passive act, but as an act of "humility and charity" necessary to combat the harsh judgments and misinformation prevalent in today’s society.

The Cardinal concluded his message by encouraging the faithful to participate worthily in the Holy Eucharist and to perform concrete acts of charity and mercy. He invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints to accompany the Church on this journey toward the joy of Easter.