Pope Leo XIV Expresses Solidarity with Flood Victims in Southern Africa

Maputo, 19 January, 2026 / 9:50 PM

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday expressed his spiritual closeness with hundreds of thousands affected by floods in southern African countries, where deaths and massive destruction have been reported,d especially in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

Speaking after praying the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, January 18, the Catholic Pontiff said, “I would also like to assure the victims of the recent floods in southern Africa of my prayers.”

Torrential rains that began in mid-December 2025 reportedly intensified across Southern Africa, triggering catastrophic flooding in several countries as rivers broke their banks and water levels climbed above alert thresholds.

Governments and weather authorities warned of continued heavy rainfall, particularly around low-lying communities, raising fears of further destruction and loss of life.

By the first weeks of January 2026, the flooding had severely impacted Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, among other nations.

In Mozambique’s Gaza, Maputo, and Sofala provinces, river basins surpassed danger levels and entire neighborhoods were submerged, displacing residents and cutting off critical transport routes.

As the rains continued, Mozambique reported at least 103 deaths from flooding and related incidents, including drownings and infrastructure collapses. At the same time, more than 200,000 people were affected, with thousands of homes damaged or destroyed. Rescue operations were ongoing amid challenges reaching isolated communities.

Floodwaters also reportedly surged through northern South Africa, particularly the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, where roads and bridges washed out, and homes were inundated. The renowned Kruger National Park was temporarily closed due to floodwaters rendering access roads impassable, forcing emergency evacuations of tourists and staff.

In Zimbabwe, authorities reported at least 70 deaths since the start of the year, along with extensive damage to homes, schools, and infrastructure as floodwaters tore through communities.

By January 18–19, the toll and impacts had prompted significant government action. South Africa’s government declared a national disaster, enabling broader coordination of relief efforts as the floods killed at least 30 people domestically and destroyed thousands of homes and key infrastructure. Rescue teams continued searching for missing residents.

Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo canceled his planned trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, citing the severe flooding and the urgent need to prioritize life-saving measures at home. 

The United Nations (U.N.) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that more than 400,000 people had been affected as rains persisted and relief efforts expanded.

Authorities from all affected countries continued to warn of more heavy rains ahead, keeping millions of residents on alert as rescue, shelter, and recovery operations remained underway across the region.

In his January 18 speech, Pope Leo also urged Prayers for Peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The Holy Father challenged Christians observing the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to work towards unity, which he said must be accompanied by a steadfast commitment to peace and justice in the world.

“Today, I would like to recall in particular the great suffering of the people in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Many have been forced to flee their country – especially to Burundi – due to violence, and they are facing a serious humanitarian crisis. Let us pray that dialogue for reconciliation and peace may always prevail among the parties in conflict,” he said.

Annually, January 18-25 is dedicated to prayer for the unity of Christians. This year’s theme is drawn from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling”.

Pope Leo said, “I invite all Catholic communities to deepen their prayers for the full, visible unity of all Christians.”