The Pope asking those observing Lent to seek "the beauty of a simpler life."

Typically Lent is a time where people give up fats to observe Jesus's 40 days of fasting and praying in the desert, but this year, Pope Francis is asking people to be kinder online, and whenever possible, to turn to the Bible.

Pope Francis is asking people to use Lent as an opportunity to disconnect from media such as television or social media.

“It is the time to give up useless words, chatter, rumours, gossip, and talk and to speak directly to the Lord,” the Pope says in his Ash Wednesday address.

The Pope also mentions that as a child, his family would refrain from listening to the radio during Lent.

With fad diets ever-present, Pope Francis asks for Christians not to use Lent as a way to gain physical beauty, but to instead turn to the "beauty of life."

Fasting is being capable of giving up the superfluous and going to the essential. Fasting is not only losing weight, it is seeking the beauty of a simpler life,” The Pope says. 

Pope Francis asks that those participating in Lent use the time to follow Jesus in the weeks before Easter.