Pope Leo calls for aid to Somalia, recalls WWII POWs

September 21, 2026

Pope Leo XIV called for generous assistance for the people of Somalia, where drought and civil strife have led to widespread malnutrition.

“With great concern, I am following the humanitarian crisis unfolding in certain areas of Somalia, where acts of violence and extreme weather events are exacerbating the already precarious living conditions of the population, particularly of women and children,” Pope Leo said to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his September 20 Angelus address. “I hope for the generous involvement of the international community, so that our brothers and sisters may not lack the necessary assistance.”

After greeting various groups of pilgrims, the Pontiff offered his “blessing to the people of Pescantina, near Verona, who today gather around the Monument to the Former Internees to remember those who were deported and held prisoner during the Second World War. I do so in order to emphasize that we must not forget, but rather learn from history so as not to repeat the mistakes of the past.”

 

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Further information:

• Angelus (Dicastery for Communication - Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 9/20/26)
• Pope Leo prays for end to humanitarian crisis in Somalia (Vatican News, 9/20/26)