On 11th February each year, the Catholic Church celebrates World Day of the Sick, a highly symbolic date as it coincides with the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. In 1992, Pope John Paul II established 11th February as World Day of the Sick, further emphasising the universal significance of Our Lady of Lourdes’ message.
In 2026, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes once again invites the faithful, carers and society as a whole to focus their attention on those who are sick, elderly or weakened by suffering.
A day calling for compassion
World Day of the Sick, established by Pope Saint John Paul II, who was personally affected by illness, aims to remind us that human suffering should never be experienced in isolation. This day encourages prayer for the sick, support for their loved ones, and recognition of the essential work of caregivers, volunteers, and companions. It is about highlighting the dignity of every sick person and encouraging a culture of compassion, where fragility is not seen as a burden but as a call to solidarity.
For 2026, the Vatican has chosen the theme, ‘The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing the suffering of others’. Inspired by the Gospel parable of the Good Samaritan, this theme invites us to overcome indifference and draw close to anyone who is suffering from illness or weakness. It reminds us that Christian compassion is not just a feeling, but a concrete commitment: taking the time to see, listen and support, sharing the burden of another’s suffering. In the spirit of Our Lady of Lourdes, this message emphasises that true love is expressed through a faithful and active presence among the most vulnerable.
Lourdes, a place at the heart of hope
The choice of 11th February is no coincidence. It corresponds to the first apparition of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, in Lourdes. Since then, the Sanctuary has become a place of prayer, inner healing and hope, welcoming millions of pilgrims every year, including many people who are sick or disabled.
Father Michel Daubanes, who was in Rome for the CNPI (National Association of Italian Pilgrimages) Congress, was invited to speak in the Vatican press room during the special press conference dedicated to the 34th World Day of the Sick.
The Rector of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes echoed the words of Pope Leo XIV’s message for World Day of the Sick, in a similar reflection on compassion, as exemplified by the Good Samaritan. The Holy Father reminds us that compassion is not a mere feeling, but a decision to love that leads us to stop, to draw near and to bear the pain of others in a concrete way, in a personal and communal relationship.
In Lourdes, this parable became a reality. As the rector emphasises, the sick, those wounded in body, heart or spirit, are welcomed unconditionally and made the focus of attention. The Sanctuary is a place where suffering is not ignored, but where people are cared for, accompanied and welcomed into a vast network of fellowship.
Thus, Lourdes appears as a true teacher of the Gospel, where everyone discovers that they are wounded but healed by Christ, the divine Samaritan. Echoing the Pope’s call, this experience invites the Church and the world to become, today as ever, joyful and committed Samaritans, bringing God’s mercy to all those who suffer.
Healthcare Sunday
In many countries, 11th February is observed with Masses dedicated to the sick, special blessings, times of prayer in hospitals, retirement homes and parishes, and acts of support for people who are isolated or suffering. This day reminds us all of the importance of a human approach to illness, where listening, presence and kindness are sometimes as essential as medical care.
In France, World Day of the Sick is preceded by Healthcare Sunday, celebrated in 2026 on Sunday 8th February, with the theme, ‘Let your light shine…’. It is an opportunity to highlight and encourage caregivers, visitors to the sick, chaplaincy teams and volunteers, who often work discreetly but are essential to the community life of the Church. In line with the theme of the year, ‘The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing the suffering of others,’ Healthcare Sunday also invites everyone to deepen their commitment, to pray not only for the sick but also for those who care for them, and to bear concrete witness to a Church that is present, supportive and a source of light in the midst of human suffering.
The Holy Father’s prayer for the World Day of the Sick
Let us raise our prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick, asking her to assist all who suffer and are in need of compassion, consolation and a listening ear. Let us seek her intercession with this ancient prayer, that has been invoked in families for those living with illness and pain:
Sweet Mother do not part from me.
Turn not your eyes away from me.
Walk with me at every moment
and never leave me alone.
You who always protect me
as a true Mother,
obtain for me the blessing of the Father,
Son and Holy Spirit.
I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing to all who are sick, to their families and to those who care for them – healthcare workers and pastoral workers alike – and in a special way to all participating in this World Day of the Sick.
From the Vatican, 13th January 2026 – LEO PP. XIV
