There are very serious incurable illnesses and conditions that are not deadly but last a long time. It is especially dramatic for those who are at the beginning of their lives – for children and their entire family. In his prayer intention for February, Pope Leo invites us to pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.
Pray with the Pope: For prayer with the Word of God | February 2026
In his prayer this month, the Holy Father asks us to recognize that “the smiles, even in the midst of pain,” of children suffering from incurable diseases, “are a testimony of your Kingdom.”
You are not alone. By praying, you join the millions of people who belong to the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network who, from every corner of the world, are praying for the challenges of humanity and the Church’s mission.
Take a moment, pray with the Pope.
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amén.
Lord Jesus,
who welcomed the little ones in your arms and blessed them tenderly,
today we bring before you the children living with incurable illnesses.
Their fragile bodies are a sign of your presence,
and their smiles, even in the midst of pain, are a testimony of your Kingdom.
We ask you, Lord, that they may never lack proper medical care,
human and compassionate attention,
and the support of a community that accompanies them with love.
Sustain their families in hope,
in the midst of weariness and uncertainty,
and make of them witnesses of a faith that grows stronger through trial.
Bless the hands of doctors, nurses, and caregivers,
so that their work may always be an expression of active compassion.
May your Spirit enlighten them in every difficult decision,
and grant them patience and tenderness to serve with dignity.
Lord, teach us to recognize your face in every suffering child.
May their vulnerability awaken our compassion,
and move us to care, accompany, and love
with concrete gestures of solidarity.
Make of us a Church that,
animated by the feelings of your Heart
and moved by prayer and service,
knows how to uphold fragility,
and in the midst of suffering, becomes a source of comfort,
a seed of hope, and a proclamation of new life.
Amen.