Pope Francis says exploiting women is a 'sin against God'

Pope Francis says exploiting women is a 'sin against God': In his daily homily Friday, Pope Francis issued a scathing critique of the ways in which women are often exploited and mistreated - whether it be through a revealing television ad, or when getting a job is contingent on sexual favors.

Latest News: Vatican - Catholic News Agency

Latest News: Vatican - Catholic News Agency: A renewal plan for the Church in Chile will be submitted to Pope Francis by Chilean bishops when they gather next month at the Vatican, the president of the Chilean bishops' conference said.

Ash Wednesday 2018

When does Lent 2018 start, why do we have it and when does it end?

What is the meaning of Lent?

Ash Wednesday is the day after Shrove Tuesday, which food lovers will know better as Pancake Day.

Both are important dates in the Christian calendar, heralding the arrival of the Lent season.

A sombre religious festival, Lent sees Christians fasting and giving up their usual luxuries or habits to replicate the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ when he journeyed through the desert for 40 days.

The period technically lasts for 46 days but it is only 40 days of fasting because the six Sundays leading up to Easter Sunday are not included.

Ash Wednesday can fall as early as February 4 or as late as March 10.

This year Ash Wednesday is on February 14, coinciding with the most romantic day of the year - Valentine’s Day.