
Pope Francis Sends a Message of Hope Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
The Holy Father said that “the last thing I would do” to those who have lost loved ones in this pandemic “is to tell them something. What I try to do is make them feel my closeness.”
The Holy Father said that “the last thing I would do” to those who have lost loved ones in this pandemic “is to tell them something. What I try to do is make them feel my closeness.”
In his homily, Pope Francis reflected on Jesus’ words to his disciples about forgiveness.
The pope’s prayer video was sent as part of the Diocese of Rome’s call to spend March 11 in prayer and fasting for those who are sick with or have died from coronavirus.
The press office said that the decision was “necessary in order to avoid the risk of the spread of COVID-19 due to the gathering of people during security controls for access to the square, as requested by the Italian authorities.”
According to the World Health Organization, Italy has the third highest number of cases of novel coronavirus after China and South Korea.
With Pope Francis’ Lenten retreat scheduled for March 1-6, there are no papal audiences scheduled for next week, but conferences in Rome and other indoor events have been canceled.
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