Pope Leo prays for overcoming tensions, rediscovering unity in Europe

By Vatican News

Saints Cyril and Methodius, apostles of the Slavs and Patrons of Europe, can help renew the spiritual vitality of the European continent, Pope Leo reflected as he greeted Polish pilgrims present at the General Audience on February 11, 2026. 

He recalled how the two saints, whose liturgical memorial is observed on 14 February, are the “fathers of Christianity, of language and of the culture of the Slavic peoples.”

The Pope invited the faithful to return to their apostolic work, as encouraged by Saint John Paul II, in order to contribute to the building of a new unity in Europe, capable of overcoming religious and political tensions, divisions and antagonisms.

Prayer for the sick

Recalling today marks the World Day of the Sick, the Pope entrusted the sick and their families to the care of the Blessed Mother.

To mark the occasion, as Pope Leo arrived in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, he lit a candle before the statue of the Blessed Virgin of Lourdes on the day of her liturgical memorial. He also expressed that he would go today to the Grotto of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens to light a candle "as a sign of my prayer for all the sick, whom today, on the World Day of the Sick, we remember with particular affection.”

Speaking in Spanish, Pope Leo recalled that this year the World Day was being celebrated at a place particularly dear to him, the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace in Chiclayo, Peru. “I unite myself spiritually,” he said, noting that he had sent Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, there for the occasion.

The Pope also entrusted to Mary all killed and impacted by severe flooding in Colombia, while urging the entire community to support the affected families through charity and prayer.

Time of prayer as Lent approaches

Looking ahead to the beginning of Lent, the Pope noted in English that the season will start next Wednesday. He described it as a time to deepen our knowledge and our love of the Lord, to examine our hearts and our lives, and to refocus our gaze on Jesus and His love for us.

Pope Leo XIV concluded by expressing the hope that the days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving would be a source of strength as Christians strive each day to take up their cross and follow Christ.