Pope’s February 2026 Prayer Intention

Vatican, Feb 6, 2026: Pope Leo has released his prayer intention for February, inviting Catholics worldwide to pray for children living with incurable illnesses and to recognise God’s presence in their suffering.

In his Pray with the Pope message, the Pope reflected on the fragility of these children, noting that their lives reveal the closeness of Christ and that their courage amid pain bears witness to God’s Kingdom. He prayed that they may receive proper medical care, compassionate attention, and the loving support of caring communities.

The Pope also remembered the families, doctors, and caregivers of sick children, asking that they be guided with wisdom, patience, and tenderness. Calling for a compassionate response, he urged the faithful to recognise the face of Christ in every suffering child and to respond through concrete acts of love and solidarity. He concluded by praying that the Church may stand with the vulnerable and become a source of comfort and hope.

According to the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, more than 20 million people across over 90 countries are united in prayer for this intention. The prayer video was recorded at the Church of St. Pellegrino in the Vatican and features drawings by children receiving treatment at the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital.

Pope Leo’s prayer for children with incurable diseases

Lord Jesus,

who welcomed the little ones in your arms and blessed them tenderly,

today we bring before you the children living with incurable illnesses.

Their fragile bodies are a sign of your presence,

and their smiles, even in the midst of pain, are a testimony of your Kingdom.

We ask you, Lord, that they may never lack proper medical care,

human and compassionate attention,

and the support of a community that accompanies them with love.

Sustain their families in hope,

in the midst of weariness and uncertainty,

and make of them witnesses of a faith that grows stronger through trial.

Bless the hands of doctors, nurses, and caregivers,

so that their work may always be an expression of active compassion.

May your Spirit enlighten them in every difficult decision,

and grant them patience and tenderness to serve with dignity.

Lord, teach us to recognise your face in every suffering child.

May their vulnerability awaken our compassion,

and move us to care, accompany, and love

with concrete gestures of solidarity.

Make of us a Church that,

animated by the feelings of your Heart

and moved by prayer and service,

knows how to uphold fragility,

and in the midst of suffering, becomes a source of comfort,

a seed of hope, and a proclamation of new life.

Amen.

By Catholic Connect Reporter