Pope Francis led millions of Catholics in celebrating Palm Sunday, the first of the series of Holy Week, while the world is battling a coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which has infected more than 1.2 million people and killed 64,000 worldwide.
During today’s St. Peter’s Square mass at 11am today Rome time, the pews were removed from St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City while most of the Catholics around the world stayed at home and watched and prayed in front of their laptops or television.
Pope Francis has been saying masses that were streamed live since the coronavirus outbreak hit Italy and Vatican City, triggering widespread cancellation of gatherings and work and school activities.
The Palm Sunday celebration at the St. Peter’s Square, which is normally being attended by tens of thousands of Romans, tourists and pilgrims, clutching olive tree branches or palm fronds, was likewise cancelled.
During his homily, Pope Francis said, “With pandemic, false securities have crumbled, hopes betrayed, abandonment weighs on our hearts. But Jesus says, ‘Courage, open your heart to my love. Feel God’s consolation.’ Don’t betray God, don’t abandon what really matters in our lives. Life is measured by love.”
The pontiff called on the faithful who are mostly staying inside their homes to reach out to those who suffer and are in need. “May we not be concerned about what we lack, but what good we can do for others,” he said.
He also consoled those who are suffering from the pandemic disease and who feel desolate.
“With his Passion, Jesus shows ‘when we find ourselves at a dead end, with no light, no escape, when it seems God doesn’t respond, remember we aren’t alone. Jesus experienced all your desolation in order to be ever close to you,’” he said.
At the end of the Mass, Pope Francis greeted young people at this difficult moment due to the pandemic. He said he is looking forward to the next World Youth Day to be held in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2022.
He also extends his greetings to the sick and those who are caring for them with extraordinary love.
