Chocolates, coffee, and alcohol are some of the common things that Catholics give up for Lent, but this year, Pope Francis has a different suggestion: trolling!
In his speech on Ash Wednesday, February 26, the Pope said Lent is “a time to give up useless words and gossip,” according to Reuters via GMA News.
"We live in an atmosphere polluted by too much verbal violence, too many offensive and harmful words, which are amplified by the internet," he told tens of thousands of people gathered at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican City. “Today, people insult each other as if they are saying ‘good day.’”
Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a 40-day season of reflection for Catholics when they typically give up a certain vice in honor of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.
Last year, the Pope had a similar suggestion and advised Catholics to give up gossiping, according to Rappler. He challenged them to ask themselves, “Am I a hypocrite who smiles and then turns around to criticize and destroy with my tongue?"
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