What Happened Today That Actually Matters (5 PM Christian News Wrap)

The Facts

Pope Urges Prayer and Fasting as Lent Begins

Pope Leo XIV addressed thousands gathered at St. Peter's Square this morning for the First Sunday of Lent. His Angelus message centered on the traditional Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, and works of mercy. The Pope called on Catholics worldwide to create space for silence, spend time meditating on Scripture, and reach out to those living in isolation: specifically naming the elderly, poor, and sick as priorities for compassionate action.

He also made a direct appeal for prayer for Ukraine and all people currently suffering from armed conflict around the world. The address marked the official beginning of the 40-day Lenten season leading up to Easter.

St. Francis' Relics Draw Half a Million Pilgrims

The bones of St. Francis of Assisi are currently on public display for the first time in modern memory, drawing massive crowds to the Italian town of Assisi. The month-long exhibition, which runs through March 22, was organized by the Franciscan order to commemorate the 800th anniversary of St. Francis' death in 1226.

Nearly 400,000 people have already registered to view the relics, and local officials estimate the total number of pilgrims could reach half a million before the exhibit closes. The Franciscans stated that the display is intended to revive St. Francis' core message: peace, fraternity, care for the poor, and stewardship of creation.

Catholic Immigration Stance and Campus Health Update

Earlier this month, Archbishop Alexander K. Sample of Portland affirmed Pope Leo XIV's strong position on solidarity with immigrant communities. Following a February 9 meeting, the Archbishop said the Pope expressed genuine concern for Hispanic Catholic communities and the church's role in supporting vulnerable populations.

Meanwhile, Ave Maria University in Florida continues managing a measles outbreak among students that was first identified on January 28. The Catholic institution has been coordinating with local health officials to contain the spread and protect student health.

The Lens

Here's what these stories reveal when we look through a biblical lens.

The Ancient Rhythm of Spiritual Reset

The Pope's call to prayer, fasting, and mercy isn't new: it echoes what God has always asked of His people. The prophet Joel wrote, "Even now, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning" (Joel 2:12). Jesus Himself modeled fasting before ministry, spending 40 days in the wilderness being tempted but emerging in the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:1-14).

While Assemblies of God believers don't observe Lent in the same liturgical way as Catholics, we absolutely understand the spiritual power of setting aside focused time for prayer, fasting, and seeking God. These aren't religious rituals: they're weapons of spiritual warfare and pathways to intimacy with the Father.

When the Pope says to create space for silence and Scripture, he's describing what every believer needs: uninterrupted time with God. In our age of constant noise and distraction, that might be the most countercultural thing we can do.

Legacy That Outlives Us

Eight hundred years after his death, people are standing in line for hours to honor St. Francis of Assisi. Why? Because he lived what Jesus taught. He took Matthew 25 seriously: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for the sick. He walked away from wealth to serve the poor. He preached the gospel with his life first, then his words.

From an AG perspective, we may not venerate relics, but we absolutely honor godly legacy. Hebrews 11 is essentially God's hall of fame: people whose faith outlived their bodies. The question for us isn't whether people will line up to see our bones someday. It's whether we're living in a way that points people to Jesus long after we're gone.

St. Francis' message: peace, caring for the poor, environmental stewardship, and fraternity: isn't Catholic doctrine. It's Kingdom living. These are things every follower of Jesus should be known for.

The Gospel Crosses Every Border

The immigration conversation continues to reveal something important: the Church is not defined by national borders. When the Pope and Archbishop Sample speak about solidarity with immigrants, they're reflecting what Scripture says repeatedly: God has a heart for the stranger, the foreigner, the refugee.

"Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt" (Exodus 22:21). "Love the foreigner residing among you as yourself" (Leviticus 19:34). The New Testament takes it even further: in Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free (Galatians 3:28). The ground is level at the cross.

This doesn't mean there's no place for national laws or border security. But it does mean the Church's first loyalty is to the Kingdom, not to political tribes. Our job is to see people as God sees them: image-bearers in need of compassion, dignity, and the gospel.

The Response

So what do we actually do with all this?

Embrace the Reset

You don't need a liturgical calendar to hit pause and refocus on God. Whether it's Lent, a personal fast, or just blocking out time this week, the invitation is the same: draw near to God, and He will draw near to you (James 4:8).

Try this: Pick one day this week to fast from something that's crowding out God: social media, streaming, even food: and replace that time with prayer and Scripture. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal anything that's standing between you and Him. Confess it. Receive His forgiveness. Start fresh.

And follow the Pope's advice on works of mercy. Text or call someone who's alone. Drop off groceries for an elderly neighbor. Pay for someone's meal. Give to a single mom who's struggling. Don't post about it. Just do it because Jesus said, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40).

Live a Legacy Worth Following

St. Francis didn't set out to be famous. He set out to follow Jesus radically. The fame came because radical obedience always leaves a mark.

What will your legacy be? Are you living in a way that makes people curious about Jesus? Are you known for generosity, peace, and love: or for your political opinions and social media arguments?

Start small. Serve someone this week who can never pay you back. Forgive someone who doesn't deserve it. Give sacrificially to Kingdom work. Speak words of life instead of criticism. These aren't extraordinary acts: they're just what normal Christianity is supposed to look like.

Love Like Jesus Loves

The immigration conversation is messy and politically charged. But your calling as a Christian isn't messy at all: love your neighbor. Period.

That doesn't mean you can't have opinions on policy. But it does mean you can't dehumanize people or speak with cruelty about anyone: especially people Jesus called "the least of these." If you find yourself more passionate about political borders than the spiritual lostness of people, something's out of alignment.

Pray for immigrants: documented and undocumented. Pray for border agents and lawmakers. Pray for families torn apart. And ask God if there's a practical way you can show the love of Christ to someone from another country.

Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341.

Moving Forward

Today's stories all point to the same truth: authentic faith is lived out loud. It's not just what we believe on Sunday: it's how we treat people on Monday. It's not just theological positions: it's tangible love.

The world is watching to see if Christians are any different. Are we more compassionate? More generous? More peaceful? Do we love better, forgive faster, and serve more sacrificially?

Pope Leo XIV called for prayer, fasting, and mercy. St. Francis' 800-year-old example still inspires millions. Church leaders are calling us to see immigrants through Jesus' eyes. These aren't disconnected headlines: they're invitations to stop living for ourselves and start living for the Kingdom.

Let's be people who take that seriously. Not perfectly, but intentionally. Not someday, but starting today.

Follow at LayneMcDonald.com for more Christ-centered clarity on today's biggest questions.

---

Sources: Vatican News, Catholic News Agency, AP