In Lenten Meditation, Bishop Erik Varden Addresses Abuse, Corruption

In Lenten meditation, Bishop Erik Varden addresses abuse, corruption

Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim, chosen by Pope Leo XIV to deliver the 2026 Lenten spiritual exercises to the pope and senior members of the Roman Curia, on Wednesday offered a searing reflection on the duty of Church leaders to face the ongoing crisis of abuse and coverup squarely and unstintingly. “Falls can humble us when we are puffed up, showing God’s power to save,” Varden said in his opening remarks on Wednesday morning in the Pauline Cha…

Vatican Spiritual Exercises: Christian Freedom and the Splendor of Truth

Vatican Media Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim, Norway, at the beginning of Lenten spiritual exercises at the Vatican on Feb. 22, 2026. In the fourth and fifth meditations offered to Pope Leo XIV and the Roman Curia, Bishop Erik Varden reflected on how the modern debate over “freedom” challenges Christians.

Lenten Retreat: Bishop Varden reflects on the splendour of truth

Bishop Erik Varden delivers his fifth reflection at the Spiritual Exercises in the Vatican for Pope Leo XIV, Cardinals residing in Rome, and heads of ...

At Curia retreat, Bishop Varden warns of Gospel's use 'as a weapon in culture wars' - The Record Newspaper

Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim leads the Roman Curia’s annual Lenten retreat in the Pauline Chapel at the Vatican Feb. 22, 2026. The Norwegian bishop was chosen by Pope Leo XIV to preach at the Lenten retreat, which runs from Feb. 22 to 27, and will reflect on the theme, “Illuminated by a Hidden Glory.” (OSV News photo/Simone Risoluti, Vatican Media) By Junno Arocho Esteves , OSV News (OSV News) — The Lenten season is a reminder that Christians…

"The Splendor of Truth"

On Tuesday afternoon, February 24, Monsignor Erik Varden led the fifth meditation during the Lenten retreat for Pope Leo XIV, the cardinals residing in Rome, and the heads of the Dicasteries. Below is a summary of his reflection: