At his Sunday Angelus in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV turned the world’s gaze toward those suffering from devastating floods in South Asia. With deep concern, he expressed his closeness to the people of Pakistan, Nepal, and India who have endured tragic losses after torrential rains and flash floods swept through entire regions.
“After praying the Angelus in Freedom Square, Pope Leo expressed his closeness to the people in Pakistan, India, and Nepal who have been affected by severe flooding,” according to Vatican News (Kielce Gussie, Vatican News, August 17, 2025). More than 300 lives have been lost in Pakistan, Nepal, and India-administered Kashmir after two days of intense storms and flash floods.
PRAYER FOR PROTECTION AGAINST STORMS AND FLOODS
“I share my prayers for the victims and their families, and for all those who are suffering as a result of this calamity,” the Pope said, lifting up in prayer the souls of the departed and the grieving families left behind (Vatican News).
Human Suffering and Christian Solidarity
The aftermath has been devastating. In Pakistan alone, officials report that over 3,500 tourists have been rescued from flood-hit areas. Entire villages in the Nuner region were destroyed, and roads have been cut off by landslides, leaving communities isolated. The pictures emerging from places such as Bayshonai Kalay in Buner are stark reminders of the fragility of life and the urgency of solidarity in the face of natural disasters.
For Catholics, these tragedies are a call to prayer and action. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that works of mercy—both spiritual and corporal—are essential responses to suffering. When we pray for the victims of such disasters and support humanitarian efforts, we are living out Christ’s command to love our neighbor.
A Call for Peace and Hope
Beyond his prayers for flood victims, Pope Leo broadened his appeal to the global stage. He reiterated his ongoing call for peace, stressing that in every negotiation “the common good of peoples may always be given priority” (Vatican News). In times of destruction—whether caused by natural disasters or by human conflict—the Pope pointed Catholics toward perseverance in hope.
Even amid sorrow, the Pope highlighted “signs of hope” found in the Church’s missionary and evangelizing work. He noted the creativity and dedication of youth groups and associations, citing a recent youth mission in Riccione, Italy, as an inspiring example of the Gospel’s living power.
Prayer for the Flood Victims
As Catholics, we are invited to join the Holy Father in prayer for all those affected:
Lord, look with mercy upon our brothers and sisters in Pakistan, Nepal, and India who suffer from the floods. Comfort the grieving, give strength to the rescuers, and inspire generosity in the hearts of all who can help. May Your peace reign where despair has entered, and may the hope of Christ shine even in the darkest valleys.
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