What does it mean to fast in the Church?

Although total abstention from eating and drinking is what Jews do on Yom Kippur and other fast days, Muslims do during Ramadan and some Christians do at different times, the Pope’s call is for a fast according to general Catholic practice. This means cutting down on the main meal of the day and reducing the others. Fasting is a sign of penitence, opening the soul and prayer.

See video clip here