The 2026 Lenten Spiritual Exercises for Pope Leo XIV, cardinals, and Vatican dicastery heads will be led by Bishop Erik Varden, offering an opportunity for deep spiritual reflection ahead of Easter.
From February 22 to 27, 2026, the Vatican will host the annual Lenten Spiritual Exercises, a time-honored retreat for Pope Leo XIV, cardinals residing in Rome, and heads of Roman Curia dicasteries. This year, the Exercises will be preached by Bishop Erik Varden, a noted Cistercian monk and bishop of Trondheim, Norway.
Set in the Pauline Chapel within the Vatican, the retreat offers a structured rhythm of prayer, meditation, and Eucharistic Adoration centered on the theme “Illuminated by a Hidden Glory.” This spiritual journey invites Church leaders to enter more deeply into the mystery of Lent and prepare their hearts for the celebration of Easter.
What Are the Lenten Spiritual Exercises?
The Spiritual Exercises are a traditional practice within the Catholic Church, rooted in the work of St. Ignatius of Loyola. They are designed to foster personal conversion and spiritual renewal through prayer, meditation, and reflection on Scripture and Church teaching. For the Roman Curia, these Exercises serve as an essential time of communal and individual formation, helping the Pope, cardinals, and senior Vatican officials to grow in holiness and unity.
Typically held during Lent, these Exercises allow participants to step away from daily administrative duties to focus on deepening their relationship with God. The retreat structure commonly includes multiple daily meditations, times of communal prayer such as Morning Prayer and Vespers, and periods of silent contemplation. This spiritual practice supports the Church’s leadership in discerning pastoral priorities and strengthens their witness to the wider Catholic community.
Details of the 2026 Exercises Led by Bishop Erik Varden
The 2026 Lenten Spiritual Exercises will begin on Sunday, February 22, at 5:00 p.m. in the Pauline Chapel. Bishop Erik Varden will deliver the opening meditation titled “Entering Lent.” From February 23 through 27, he will preach two meditations each day: one in the morning at 9:00 a.m., preceded by Mid-Morning Prayer, and a second in the evening at 5:00 p.m., followed by Eucharistic Adoration and Vespers.
The retreat’s theme, “Illuminated by a Hidden Glory,” underlines the spiritual journey of discovering God’s presence and grace often concealed beneath the surface of daily life and suffering. Among the key meditation topics are reflections on God’s assistance, the call to spiritual freedom, the splendor of truth, perseverance amid trials, and hope. Notably, on the afternoon of February 26, Bishop Varden will offer two meditations on Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—“Saint Bernard, the Idealist” and “Saint Bernard, the Realist.”
Introducing Bishop Erik Varden: Background and Qualifications
Bishop Erik Varden was born on May 13, 1974, in Sarpsborg, Norway, within the Diocese of Oslo. He pursued studies in philosophy and theology at Cambridge University, earning a doctorate in theology. Furthering his academic formation, he obtained a licentiate in Eastern ecclesiastical sciences from the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome.
In 2002, he entered the Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappists), making his solemn profession on October 6, 2007. He was ordained a priest on July 16, 2011. His monastic and academic vocation has included teaching at the Pontifical Atheneum of St. Anselm in Rome as well as working with Vatican Radio’s Scandinavian section.
Leadership roles have marked his ecclesial journey: he served as Superior ad nutum at Mount St. Bernard Abbey beginning in 2013 and was elected Abbot in 2015. Pope Francis appointed him Bishop Prelate of Trondheim in 2019, with his episcopal ordination following in 2020. Since 2023, he has been Apostolic Administrator of the Prelature of Tromsø, and since 2024, President of the Scandinavian Bishops’ Conference. Further recognizing his service, Pope Leo XIV appointed him a Member of the Dicastery for the Clergy in 2025.
Why These Exercises Are Vital to the Church
The Lenten Spiritual Exercises are more than a retreat; they are a vital moment of spiritual renewal for the Church’s leadership. By dedicating time to prayer, reflection, and Eucharistic devotion, Pope Leo XIV and the Roman Curia can enter Lent with a renewed focus on their mission and responsibilities.
This period of spiritual formation sets a prayerful tone for the Church’s pastoral initiatives throughout the year. It fosters unity among Church leaders and strengthens their capacity for wise, prayerful decision-making. Furthermore, the witness of such Exercises encourages the wider Catholic faithful to embrace Lent as a transformative season of grace and hope.
Conclusion
The upcoming 2026 Lenten Spiritual Exercises, guided by Bishop Erik Varden, represent a significant moment of spiritual enrichment for Pope Leo XIV, cardinals, and Vatican officials. Grounded in a rich tradition of prayer and reflection, the retreat will deepen their encounter with God’s hidden glory and prepare them to lead the Church with renewed faith and hope during the sacred season of Lent.