This afternoon Pope Leo XIV and members of the Roman Curia begin their annual Lenten Spiritual Exercises in the Vatican’s Pauline Chapel, led by Trappist Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim. Preaching on the theme “Illuminated by a Hidden Glory,” Bishop Varden opened the retreat with a meditation on “Entering Lent,” emphasizing the Christian call to spiritual struggle in pursuit of a peace “the world cannot give.” The week-long program of twice-daily meditations runs through 27 February and explores