Pope prays for victims of devastating cyclones in Madagascar

Following the Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV expressed his closeness to the people of Madagascar, who are suffering from the effects of two cyclones in a short period of time. “I pray for the victims and their families, and for all those who have suffered serious damage,” he said.

Cyclone season in the Southwest Indian Ocean has been intense this year as Madagascar has declared a national emergency and appealed for international aid following cyclones Gezani and Fytia.

Gezani made landfall on February 10, affecting some 270,000 people and displacing thousands. National authorities have reported at least 40 people have been killed. Together with the UN and other partners, the country’s resources have been dedicated to search and rescue, evacuation, shelter, and food assistance.