STORY: Pope Leo on Sunday (August 30) during his weekly Angelus prayer expressed his sympathy and solidarity for the victims of the floods in Nepal and Tibet. He also commented on the "tragic massacre carried out in Kenscoff", Haiti, where at least 47 were killed in an overnight gang raid and 22 more injured, the UN said on Monday (August 24).

Leo furthermore called "for the immediate release of all hostages" in Haiti and appealed "to all those in positions of responsibility" to "make concrete efforts to ensure the safety of the population and to put an end to all forms of violence."

The prayer was held at Piazza della Libertà in Castel Gandolfo, a town 25km southeast of Rome, instead of taking place at its usual location, the window of the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City. The evening before, Pope Leo had taken part as the first pope in history in a traditional procession on a boat on Lake Albano, situated in front of the papal summer residence.

Castel Gandolfo is a town known for hosting the papal summer residence since the mid-1600s. Pope Leo, too, has been resting there during this most of year’s month of July.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: CASTEL GANDOLFO, ITALY (AUGUST 30, 2026) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access all)

1. PIAZZA DELLA LIBERTÀ IN CASTEL GANDOLFO BEFORE BEGIN OF PRAYER

2. POPE LEO STEPPING OUT OF APOSTOLIC PALACE TO PIAZZA

3. CROWD CHEERING TO POPE

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO, SAYING:

"Dramatic reports are coming in from Haiti of the tragic massacre carried out in Kenscoff, in which many people have lost their lives, whilst others have been taken hostage. I offer my prayers and sympathy to the victims and their families. And I call for the immediate release of all hostages. To all those in positions of responsibility, I appeal to make concrete efforts to ensure the safety of the population and to put an end to all forms of violence."

5. PEOPLE PRAYING

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO, SAYING:

"I offer my prayers for those affected by the terrible floods in Nepal and Tibet. Let us pray for those who have lost their lives, for the injured and those missing, for their families and for the rescue workers. May everyone’s compassion help to alleviate the suffering and provide the necessary aid to the people."

7. CROWD CLAPPING