Pope Leo on Wednesday (February 11) prayed for the victims of the "severe floods" in northern Colombia, urging support for affected families, during his weekly general audience at the Vatican.

The flooding, which has displaced more than 50,000 families across 27 municipalities of Cordoba, has caused widespread destruction and growing frustration among communities.

The Pope also prayed for the sick and their families as the Catholic Church marks the World Day of the Sick. The day, established in 1992 by Pope John Paul II, is celebrated on February 11, which is also the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes.

For the occasion, Leo lit a candle in honour of the Virgin Mary at the start of the audience, and later planned to stop by the Lourdes grotto in the Vatican Gardens.

Before entering the Paul VI Hall, the pontiff greeted the faithful who could not find a place inside. Among them was a worshipper joining via video call, whom the Pope paused to greet and bless.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VATICAN CITY (FEBRUARY 11, 2026) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access all)

1. POPE LEO GREETING FAITHFUL OUTSIDE AUDIENCE HALL, INCLUDING ONE VIA VIDEO CALL

2. PEOPLE STANDING IN AUDIENCE HALL

3. POPE WALKING TO ALTAR

4. POPE LIGHTING CANDLE UNDER STATUE OF HOLY MARY

5. NEWLYWEDS WAVING

6. POPE WALKING TO SEAT

7. POPE LEADING AUDIENCE

8. PEOPLE APPLAUDING

9. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) POPE LEO SAYING (BITE CONTINUES ON SHOT OF PEOPLE WAVING PERUVIAN FLAGS):

"I join spiritually with all those gathered today in Chiclayo, Peru, to solemnly celebrate the World Day of the Sick, and I entrust everyone, especially the sick and their families, to the maternal protection of the Most Holy Virgin Mary."

10. HELMET READING (English): "Pope Leo XIV Chicago"

11. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) POPE LEO SAYING:

"Under her protection, I also entrust the victims and all those affected by the severe floods in Colombia, while I urge the entire community to support the damaged families with charity and prayer. May God bless you. Thank you very much."