During his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis offered heartfelt prayers and words of solidarity for those suffering from the recent catastrophic storms that have left parts of Spain, particularly the region of Valencia, devastated by flooding. Pope entrusted all those affected to Our Lady of the Forsaken, Valencia’s beloved patron saint, seeking her intercession and care for those enduring loss and hardship.

Reflecting on his deep empathy for the people of Valencia, Pope Francis held a small image of the Virgin de los Desamparados – Our Lady of the Forsaken – given to him by Valencian faithful. The image, with its touching portrayal of the Virgin holding a lily in one hand and the child Jesus in the other, stood beside Pope throughout his address, serving as a reminder of her compassionate gaze upon the suffering. The Virgin’s affectionate nickname, “La Geperudeta” – meaning “little hunchback” – references her slightly inclined posture, symbolizing her gentle inclination toward the needs of the forsaken and the poor.

“I wanted her, the Patron Saint of Valencia, to be here,” Pope Francis said, explaining that he hoped her presence would bring comfort to all experiencing grief and uncertainty in the wake of the floods.

The impact of the disaster has been staggering: Spanish authorities report over 200 lives lost, with dozens still missing. The vast majority of the casualties occurred in Valencia, the heart of Spain’s eastern coast, leaving families, communities, and local authorities struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. Pope Francis emphasized his solidarity with all affected, entrusting their grief to the Virgin of the Forsaken, known in Valencia as a mother to the poor and the sorrowful.

Pope Francis also broadened his message of compassion, calling for peace in regions marked by conflict and violence, specifically remembering the suffering of Ukraine, the Holy Land, and Myanmar. “Let us not forget martyred Ukraine, which is suffering so much; let us not forget Gaza and Israel,” he urged, reflecting on recent tragedies, including the deaths of innocent civilians. “It is very sad,” he noted solemnly, urging all people to pray for peace and to never forget those in need.

Concluding his address, Pope Francis invited all gathered to join him in reciting a Hail Mary, invoking the intercession of Our Lady of the Forsaken. “We pray to the Lord,” he said, “to live always with hope.” In a time marked by both natural disaster and human tragedy, Pope Francis continues to encourage the faithful to find strength in their faith, solidarity with one another, and hope for a future marked by peace and healing.