Vatican City: During his weekly General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV called on Europe to overcome tensions and rediscover its spiritual unity. He also offered prayers for the sick, remembered victims of severe flooding in Colombia, and encouraged the faithful to prepare their hearts for Lent.
Addressing pilgrims gathered in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, Pope reflected on the upcoming feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, whose memorial is observed on February 14. He described them as fathers of Christianity, language and culture among the Slavic peoples and Patrons of Europe.
Greeting Polish pilgrims in particular, the Pope said the example of the two saints can help renew the spiritual vitality of the European continent. He invited Christians to follow their apostolic spirit, echoing the call once made by Saint John Paul II to build a new unity in Europe. Such unity, he said, should be strong enough to overcome religious and political tensions, divisions and antagonism.
Pope also marked the World Day of the Sick, which is celebrated each year on February 11, the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. As he entered the audience hall, he lit a candle before the statue of the Blessed Virgin of Lourdes as a sign of prayer for all who are suffering from illness.
Later in the day, he said he would go to the Grotto of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens to light another candle for the sick and their families. Entrusting them to the care of the Blessed Mother, he expressed special closeness and affection for those facing pain and uncertainty.
Speaking in Spanish, Pope noted that this year’s main celebration of the World Day of the Sick was taking place at the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace in Chiclayo, Peru, a place close to his heart. He said he was spiritually united with those gathered there and had sent Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, to represent him.
Pope Leo also prayed for those killed and affected by severe flooding in Colombia. He expressed solidarity with the victims and urged the wider community to support the affected families through charity and prayer.
Looking ahead to the beginning of Lent next week, the Pope described the season as a time to deepen love for the Lord and to examine one’s life. He encouraged Christians to focus their gaze on Jesus and His love, and to make good use of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Concluding the audience, Pope Leo expressed hope that the coming Lenten days would give strength to believers as they strive each day to take up their cross and follow Christ.