Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo—As devastating floods continue to ravage Southern Africa, leaving a trail of destruction and displacement in their wake, the President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo, has issued a poignant call for solidarity and urgent humanitarian action. His message, echoing the paternal closeness of Pope Leo XIV, highlights the profound fragility of human life and the moral imperative for a collective response to the unfolding crisis.
The scale of the disaster is staggering. Since mid-December 2025, torrential rains and flash floods have swept across the region, affecting an estimated 800,000 people and claiming at least 300 lives [2]. While Mozambique has been the hardest hit, the impact has been felt acutely in Eswatini, Madagascar, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
“As we learn of the devastating floods that have swept through Southern Africa, particularly in Mozambique, our hearts go out to the thousands of people who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones,” Cardinal Ambongo stated in a solidarity message shared on January 31, 2026. “The images of destruction and despair serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of human life and the urgent need for our collective response to this humanitarian crisis”.
A Unified Voice of the Church
Writing on behalf of the Local Ordinaries across Africa and the adjacent islands, the Archbishop of Kinshasa expressed the deep closeness of the continent’s Church leaders to those suffering. He extended fervent prayers for the souls of the deceased and for the swift recovery of all those affected by the deluge.
This continental expression of solidarity follows a series of appeals from regional Church bodies. On January 30, the Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA), led by Archbishop Liborius Ndumbukuti Nashenda of Windhoek, Namibia, also called for support for victims in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The IMBISA bishops specifically recognized the spiritual leadership of the Holy Father in this time of trial.
“We recognize with gratitude the unity and prayers expressed by our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, for the countries affected, urging the universal Church to be in solidarity with those experiencing this difficult time,” the IMBISA statement noted.
Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly brought the plight of the region to the world’s attention. During his weekly General Audience on January 28, the Holy Father offered his prayers specifically for the people of Mozambique:
“Dear sisters and brothers, my thoughts go out above all to the beloved people of Mozambique, struck by devastating floods. As I pray for the victims, I express my closeness to the displaced and to all those who offer them support. May the Lord help you and bless you!”.
The Urgent Need for Humanitarian Stewardship
The humanitarian situation remains critical, with infrastructure damage rendering many areas inaccessible and overstretching local response capacities. Cardinal Ambongo has made a direct appeal to the international community and all people of goodwill to provide basic necessities to those in displacement centers and to assist communities in the long process of rebuilding.
The Church’s response is being coordinated through Caritas Mozambique and other Catholic relief agencies, which are working on the front lines to provide food, clean water, and shelter. However, the scale of the crisis—compounded by the ongoing effects of climate change—demands a sustained and generous commitment from the global community.
| Region | Estimated Impact (as of late Jan 2026) |
| Total Affected | ~800,000 people |
| Confirmed Deaths | ~300 |
| Primary Countries | Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, Madagascar |
| Key Needs | Food, Clean Water, Shelter, Infrastructure Repair |
A Spiritual Resolution: Finding Hope in the Midst of the Storm
In these moments of profound suffering, the Church reminds us that we are never alone. Our response to this crisis must be rooted not only in material aid but in a deep spiritual conversion that recognizes our shared humanity and our dependence on God’s mercy.
- Sacred Scripture: Let us reflect on the words of the Psalmist: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:1-2). May the Word of God be a source of comfort to those who have lost everything.
- The Holy Eucharist: We are called to bring the intentions of our suffering brothers and sisters to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. In receiving the Eucharist, we are strengthened in our mission to be the hands and feet of Christ, reaching out to those in need.
- The Sacrament of Confession: Let us seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation to cleanse our hearts of indifference, asking for the grace to be more attentive to the “cry of the poor” and the “cry of the earth.”
- The Holy Rosary: We entrust the victims and the relief workers to the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through the Rosary, we pray for the peace and resilience of the families displaced by the floods.
- Eucharistic Adoration: Spend time in Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, interceding for the people of Southern Africa, that they may find the strength to rebuild their lives and the hope that only Christ can provide.
For trusted updates on the Church’s global mission and further ways to support the faithful, we encourage you to visit www.ewtnvatican.com.
Photo Credit: SECAM/Vatican Media
