Pope Leo XIV expressed solidarity with the victims of the rains that hit Minas Gerais and have already left more than 70 dead, thousands homeless and cities in a state of public calamity. The statement was made this Sunday (1st), after the Angelus prayer, in the Vatican.
“I am close to the population of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, affected by violent floods. I pray for the victims, for the families who lost their homes and for everyone involved in the relief efforts”, said the pontiff.
According to the Civil Police and the Fire Department, Juiz de Fora accounts for 64 deaths. In Ubá, there are seven confirmed victims. Teams continue to search for missing people, including a 9-year-old boy. More than 8 thousand people are homeless.
February 2026 is already considered one of the rainiest months in the region’s history. According to the UFJF, the accumulation reached around 750 mm, causing landslides, flooding and destruction in several neighborhoods.
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National Conference of Bishops of Brazil expresses regret
On the 25th, the CNBB released a note of condolence and solidarity with the victims of the rains in Juiz de Fora. The entity called on the faithful to show solidarity in the face of the tragedy that left hundreds dead, missing and homeless in Minas Gerais.
The Archdiocese of Juiz de Fora created a commission to meet the needs of families affected in Juiz de Fora and Matias Barbosa. The objective is to coordinate emergency actions and offer fraternal support.
The “Arquidiocese SOS Information Center” was established, a channel to organize and direct donations between parishes, prioritizing cleaning materials and non-perishable food.
“All parishes are central donation points to assist our brothers affected by this calamity. If anyone wants to make donations, especially cleaning materials and non-perishable food, they can take them to the parishes. Thus, we are united, in the name of Christ, to help, through our faith and our charity, all those in need of help. God bless us”, said Dom Gil Antônio Moreira.
In the Diocese of Leopoldina, Bishop Edson José Oriolo dos Santos reported that parish and ecclesiastical missionary communities are mobilized, organizing work fronts and offering spiritual guidance and material support to affected families.
