Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has released his message for the 34th World Day of the Sick, calling on Christians to show true love by standing close to those who suffer and by bearing one another’s pain with compassion.
The World Day of the Sick will be observed on February 11, 2026, and the main celebration will take place in Chiclayo, Peru. The theme chosen by Pope is “The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing another’s pain”.
In his message, signed on January 13 and made public this week, Pope Leo invites the faithful to reflect on the Gospel parable of the Good Samaritan. He recalls how the Samaritan did not ignore the wounded man on the roadside but stopped, cared for him, and ensured his recovery. The Pope says this image remains deeply relevant today, especially in a world where suffering people are often overlooked.
According to Pope Leo, compassion is not passive. It requires attention, closeness, and action. He explains that being a neighbour is not defined by distance or social status, but by a conscious decision to love. Christians, he says, are called to follow the example of Christ, the true Good Samaritan, who draws near to wounded humanity.
Pope also reflects on modern life, marked by speed and indifference, which often prevents people from stopping to notice the pain around them. Yet, he stresses that real joy can be found when we pause, draw close, and help those in need.
Drawing from his own experience as a missionary and bishop in Peru, Pope Leo highlights the quiet dedication of families, healthcare workers, pastoral workers, and volunteers who care for the sick every day. He describes their service as a shared mission of the Church and not merely an individual act of kindness. Caring for the sick, he says, is a true ecclesial action and a sign of a healthy society.
Pope underlines that love for neighbour is the visible proof of love for God. Serving the sick and suffering, he explains, is a concrete way of loving God through actions. Human dignity, he adds, is shaped not by isolation, but by relationships with others and with God.
In his message, Pope Leo encourages a way of life rooted in fraternal love, which he describes as the true remedy for the wounds of humanity. He expresses hope that Christians everywhere will live with a strong Samaritan spirit, marked by mercy, presence, and care.
Pope concludes by inviting the faithful to pray to the Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick, for all who suffer and for those who care for them. He also offers his Apostolic Blessing to the sick, their families, healthcare workers, and all those taking part in the World Day of the Sick.