Pope Leo XIV, in foreground, listens as Norwegian Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim leads
the Roman Curia’s annual Lenten retreat in the Pauline Chapel at the Vatican February 22,
2026. The Norwegian bishop was chosen by Pope Leo to preach at the Lenten retreat,
which ran from February 22 to 27, and reflected on the theme, “Illuminated by a Hidden
Glory.” Photo: OSV News/Simone Risoluti, Vatican Media. Norwegian Bishop Erik Varden preached a series of meditations for the first Lenten retreat of Pope Leo XIV and the Roman Curia, reflecting on the splendor of truth and the Christian idea of freedom, as well as sin, abuse and Church corruption. Bishop Varden of Trondheim, a Trappist monk, shared wisdom from contemplative life during…
