VATICAN CITY, ITALY -- Pope Francis has a suggestion for something Catholics can give up for Lent -- trolling.
On Ash Wednesday, the pope appealed to Catholics to stop insulting people on social media.Francis said to thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square that Lent is a time to give up what he called useless words, and gossip.
"We live in an atmosphere polluted by too much verbal violence, too many offensive and harmful words," he said.“Today, people insult each other as if they were saying 'good day.'"
“It is the time to give up useless words, chatter, rumors, gossip, and talk and to speak directly to the Lord,” Pope Francis said.
The Vatican also said the 83-year-old Pontiff is sick. They are reporting he had a slight indisposition that forced him to miss a scheduled Mass with clergy.
However, they said he would proceed with the rest of his work day.No details were provided.The pope was seen coughing and blowing his nose during Ash Wednesday Mass.