Pope Leo laments world ‘in flames’ at Ash Wednesday service

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by ReutersFebruary 18, 2026 at 08:06 PM

AI Summary

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During an Ash Wednesday Mass in Rome, Pope Leo XIV lamented the state of the world, describing it as being "in flames" due to wars and environmental destruction. The service marked the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of penance for Christians leading up to Easter. While distributing ashes, the Pope suggested they symbolized the devastation of war-torn cities, the breakdown of international law, and the destruction of ecosystems. He acknowledged the feeling of powerlessness many experience when facing global crises. Ash Wednesday and Lent are observed by Christians worldwide.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Basilica of Santa Sabina 30% United States 40% Italy 40% Easter 50% Rome 50% Christians 60% Lent 60% Ash Wednesday ×270% Pope Leo XIV ×290%

Keywords

ash wednesday 100% pope leo 100% lent 90% world in flames 80% wars 70% environment destruction 70% christian 60% international law 50% penance 40% easter 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Negative

Score: -0.60

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Source

South China Morning Post

Political Lean

Center-Right (0.50)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

85%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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ash wednesday pope leo lent world in flames wars environment destruction christian international law penance easter

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