Vatican Announces Schedule for Upcoming Papal Liturgical Celebrations

In the upcoming two months, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to lead liturgical celebrations for the feasts of the Conversion of St. Paul, the Presentation of the Lord, and Ash Wednesday, as indicated in the calendar published on Friday by the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff. In the initial week of Lent, the Holy Father will participate in the customary Lenten Spiritual Exercises alongside the members of the Roman Curia.

The Solemnity of the Conversion of Saint Paul

On January 25, Pope Leo will attend the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, where he is scheduled to lead Second Vespers in celebration of the Solemnity of the Conversion of Saint Paul. The liturgical service will signify the culmination of the 59th Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which this year centers on a verse from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Eph 4:4).

Celebration of the Presentation of the Lord

On February 2, the Holy Father will officiate Holy Mass at the Basilica of Saint Peter in observance of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which commemorates the presentation of Jesus in the Temple forty days following His birth. The celebration also marks the thirtieth World Day of Consecrated Life, serving as a moment for reflection and rejuvenation for all individuals who have dedicated their lives to consecration.

According to the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, “This day, instituted by St. John Paul II, serves as an invitation to reawaken appreciation for the beauty of consecrated life as a precious gift to both the Church and the world.” Furthermore, “The celebration seeks to provide an opportunity for the renewal of the missionary dedication of consecrated individuals, in collaboration with the Holy Father.”

The Observance of Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday marks the commencement of Lent within the Latin Rite and will take place on February 18, 2026. In accordance with an ancient tradition that was revitalized in the 20th century by Pope St. John XXIII, Pope Leo will officiate Holy Mass, which will include the benediction and imposition of ashes, at the Basilica of Santa Sabina located on the Aventine Hill in Rome.

The liturgical celebration will commence with the "Statio" at the adjacent Church of Sant’Anselmo, followed by the penitential procession to the Basilica.

Lenten Spiritual Exercises

The traditional Spiritual Exercises conducted by the Holy Father and the Roman Curia are scheduled for the initial week of Lent, commencing on Sunday, February 22, and concluding on Friday, February 27. This year, it is anticipated that the Spiritual Exercises will be held in the Apostolic Palace.

Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff

Pope Francis’ Apostolic Constitution on the Roman Curia, Predicate Evangelium, delineates that “The Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff is tasked with preparing all that is required for the liturgical and other sacred celebrations in the Vatican presided over, participated in, or assisted by the Roman Pontiff, or by a Cardinal or a Prelate acting in his name and by his authority. Furthermore, it is responsible for overseeing these events in accordance with the prevailing regulations of liturgical law. Additionally, it organizes everything essential or beneficial for their dignified celebration and for the active involvement of the faithful” (PE, art. 231).

The present Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations is Archbishop Diego Ravelli.