On March 20, the Third Sunday of Lent, Pope Francis reflected on Luke 13:1-9, the Gospel reading of the day, during his Angelus address to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

“Rather than blaming God, Jesus says we need to look inside ourselves: it is sin that produces death; our selfishness can tear apart relationships; our wrong and violent choices can unleash evil,” Pope Francis said.

“At this point the Lord offers the true solution, and that is conversion: He says, ‘unless you repent you will all likewise perish’ (Lk 13:5). It is an urgent call, especially during this time of Lent … So let us ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to fill us with hope and courage, and kindle in us the desire for conversion.”