STORY: Pope Leo on Sunday (February 15) remembered the victims of the Cyclone Gezani that hit Madagascar earlier this week, killing dozens of people and leaving a trail of destruction behind.

This was the second cyclone to hit Madagascar this year, 10 days after Tropical Cyclone Fytia killed 14 and displaced over 31,000 people, according to the U.N.'s humanitarian office.

Speaking after his weekly Angelus prayer, the pontiff also remembered the upcoming Lunar New Year, which will be celebrated by billions of people worldwide.

“May it be an opportunity to look together to the future, building peace and prosperity for all people”, he said.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: VATICAN CITY (FEBRUARY 15, 2026) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access all)

1. POPE LEO APPEARING FROM WINDOW OF APOSTOLIC PALACE

2. PEOPLE IN ST PETER’S SQUARE

3. POPE GREETING CROWD

4. PEOPLE IN SQUARE WAVING FLAGS

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

“I am close to the people of Madagascar who have been hit by two cyclones in quick succession, with flooding and landslides. I pray for the victims and their families and for those who have suffered serious damage.”

6. PEOPLE IN SQUARE

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

“In the coming days, the Lunar New Year will be celebrated by billions of people in East Asia and other parts of the world. May this joyful celebration encourage living family relationships and friendships more intensely; may it bring serenity to homes and society; may it be an opportunity to look together to the future, building peace and prosperity for all people. With my wishes for the New Year, I express my affection to all, while invoking Lord's blessing upon each one”

8. PEOPLE IN SQUARE APPLAUDING

9. POPE WAVING AND LEAVING