The Vatican usually suspends the General Audiences of the Holy Father on only two occasions: during the month of July and during the week in which the Pontiff takes up his Lenten spiritual exercises.

This week, from the afternoon of Sunday, February 18, through Friday, February 23, Pope Francis is making his personal Lenten retreat at the Vatican.

For this reason, all his engagements have been suspended, including the General Audience on Wednesday, February 21.

It should be noted that, during these days, the Holy Father also invited the Cardinals residing in Rome, the Heads of Dicasteries, and the Superiors of the Curia "to join in a personal way in this time of prayer."

Pope Francis also urged them to "suspend their work and recollect themselves in prayer during the first week of Lent" to prepare for Holy Week.

From the beginning of July until the first week of August, they are also usually suspended due to the usual summer holiday period. During this time, Pope Francis also does not hold private audiences.

What is the General Audience?

The General Audience is an important weekly event that takes place every Wednesday and, together with the Sunday Angelus and the celebrations of the liturgical year, represents the spiritual heart of Pope Francis' Petrine magisterium.

These are meetings with people from all over the world, including non-Catholics, who give the Pope the opportunity to share a simple but profound catechesis on the Christian faith, which can take place in St. Peter's Square or in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, depending on the time of year.

Pope Francis is currently carrying out a cycle of catechesis on the "virtues and vices," and in recent audiences, he has reflected on some temptations such as acedia, lust, and greed.

Translated by Jacob Stein. 

This article was originally published on ACI Prensa.