In his inaugural address on Ash Wednesday, Pope León XIV expressed concern over the 'structures of sin' that he believes plague the world today, framing this period of Lent as a time for reflection on the crises facing humanity. He emphasized that his message addresses multiple issues, including political corruption, economic inequity, and religious strife, all of which contribute to a world that he described as 'burning'.

The pope stated that the ashes imposed on believers during the Ash Wednesday ritual symbolize the weight of these global challenges, urging the faithful to acknowledge and confront the harsh realities of war, injustice, and environmental degradation. He lamented that entire cities have been destroyed by conflict, and he pointed out the erosion of international law and justice. He called attention to the environmental crisis and the decline of harmonious coexistence among people, seeing these as critical areas of concern as humanity enters the Lenten season.

Pope León XIV, elected last May following the death of Pope Francis, is marking a significant moment in his papacy, using his platform to advocate for a moral awakening in response to the dire circumstances surrounding the globe. His homily serves as both a call to action and a reminder of the sacredness of every creature in a world facing existential threats.