Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has dedicated his prayer intention for the month of February to children living with incurable diseases, calling on Catholics around the world to recognize the face of God in every suffering child.
In a video released as part of the Pray with the Pope initiative, Pope offered a heartfelt prayer for children whose fragile bodies, he said, are a sign of Jesus’ presence. He noted that even their smiles amid pain bear witness to God’s Kingdom.
Pope prayed that these children may always receive proper medical care, compassionate human attention, and the support of loving communities. He also remembered their families, caregivers, and doctors, asking the Holy Spirit to guide their decisions and grant them patience and tenderness in their daily service.
“Lord, teach us to recognize your face in every suffering child,” Pope said, urging that the vulnerability of sick children awaken compassion and lead to concrete gestures of solidarity.
He concluded by praying that the Church may know how to uphold fragility and become a source of comfort and hope in the midst of suffering.
Millions join prayer for suffering children
According to a statement from Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, which coordinates the monthly intentions, Pope Leo is carrying suffering children in his heart throughout February. The prayer video was recorded at the Church of St. Pellegrino in the Vatican, where the Pope is seen holding drawings made by children receiving care at the Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital in Rome.
Global health data underline the scale of the challenge faced by children and families. The World Health Organization estimates that about 400,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer each year, making it one of the leading causes of death among young people. Meanwhile, UNICEF reports that more than 2.1 billion children and teenagers under the age of 20 live with chronic or long term health conditions, with around one million dying each year as a result.
Father Cristóbal Fones, director of Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, said it is a sign of hope that more than 20 million people in over 90 countries are joining in prayer for this intention. He added that such widespread participation shows how deeply this painful reality touches hearts and inspires greater commitment to care for suffering children.
Through this month’s intention, Pope Leo has invited the global Church to stand close to children with incurable illnesses and their families, and to respond to their suffering with prayer, compassion, and loving action.