Pope Leo XIV called for increased international support for Somalia on Sunday, September 20, 2026, as violence and extreme weather intensify a severe humanitarian emergency. Addressing pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square during the Angelus prayer, the Holy Father highlighted the disproportionate impact of the crisis on women and children.

The United Nations Children’s Fund reports that 4.8 million people in Somalia require urgent assistance. Among them are 3 million children, with 1.9 million suffering from acute malnutrition and nearly half a million facing severe cases. Pope Leo expressed deep concern over the deteriorating conditions, stating, “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.”

Divine Mercy and Human Calculation

The pontiff used the occasion to reflect on the parable of the vineyard workers, drawing a parallel between God’s generosity and human expectations of merit. He noted that Jesus’ parables often reveal resistance to generous justice and greater love, challenging believers to look beyond transactional views of righteousness.

“God’s plans are infinitely greater – and, let us say, more ‘human’ – than those that we men and women, marked by sin, can conceive or bring to fruition,” Pope Leo said. He cited the prophet Isaiah to emphasize that divine ways exceed human expectations, concluding that mercy must move beyond calculations based solely on reward.

Historical Memory

In addition to his appeal for Somalia, the Pope sent his blessing to residents of Pescantina, near Verona. Local citizens had gathered at a monument honoring those deported and imprisoned during World War II. The Holy Father remarked that remembering history serves as a vital lesson to avoid repeating past mistakes.