Pope Francis steps out on a rainy evening in Rome, Italy to convey a message of hope, affirmation of faith and call for prayers.
In his message on Friday evening (Manila time), the Pope spoke about the dreaded coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that is spreading around the world causing thousands of deaths.
The Pontiff, according to tradition, delivers the Urbi et Orbi (to Rome and to the world) twice in a year.
This second blessing is for an “extraordinary time.”
“The storm exposes our vulnerability and uncovers those false and superfluous certainties around which we have constructed our daily schedules, our projects, our habits and priorities,” he said.
The Pontiff also acknowledged the people at the frontline of defense against the disease.
“How many people every day are exercising patience and offering hope, taking care to sow not panic but a shared responsibility. How many fathers, mothers, grandparents and teachers are showing our children, in small everyday gestures, how to face up to and navigate a crisis by adjusting their routines, lifting their gaze and fostering prayer. How many are praying, offering and interceding for the good of all.”
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“Prayer and quiet service: these are our victorious weapons.”
At a time that billions are in quarantine as part of government measure to curb the spread of the disease, Pope Francis said this is the time for “new forms of hospitality, fraternity and solidarity.”
The leader of Catholics around the world has come out to spend one hour in public prayer and convey his blessing and solidarity with the people.
“From this colonnade that embraces Rome and the whole world, may God’s blessing come down upon you as a consoling embrace,” he said.
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“Lord, may you bless the world, give health to our bodies and comfort our hearts. You ask us not to be afraid. Yet our faith is weak and we are fearful. But you, Lord, will not leave us at the mercy of the storm. Tell us again: “Do not be afraid” (Mt 28:5). And we, together with Peter, “cast all our anxieties onto you, for you care about us”
Italy, with the recent spate of deaths due to the virus, is the hardest-hit country in Europe.
Vatican City was not spared as Reuters reported two cases of COVID-19 with one patient from the Papal residence.
Pope Francis was reported Thursday to have tested negative after the recent scare.
