Pope Francis and his closest collaborators do not have Covid-19, but a sixth employee has tested positive, following tests carried out “on more than 170 employees of the Holy See.”
Vatican Dispatch
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Facing the Covid-19 storm, put your faith in the Lord, Pope Francis tells Rome and the world
Pope Francis: This moment in history is “a time to choose what matters in life and what passes away, a time to separate what is necessary from what is not. It is a time to get our lives back on track with regard to you, Lord, and to others.”
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Because of Covid-19, Pope Francis will celebrate Holy Week ceremonies without the public present
The Vatican explained that these adjustments are due to “the extraordinary situation” caused by the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Read: Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi address on coronavirus and Jesus calming the storm
Pope Francis delivered an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi address to pray for the end of the coronavirus.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
Italian priest at guesthouse where Pope Francis lives tests positive for coronavirus
The news naturally raised concerns for the pope’s health, but sources say that Monsignor Pezzoli has not recently been in contact with Pope Francis.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
The North American College in Rome sends seminarians back to the United States
The decision to close N.A.C. was taken after the Italian prime minister over the weekend imposed new restrictions on the production of goods and the movement of employees.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis calls on Christians worldwide to combat coronavirus pandemic with midday prayer on March 25
“In these days of trial, as humanity trembles at the threat of the [coronavirus] pandemic, I would propose that all Christians join their voices together to heaven,” Pope Francis said.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis authorizes plenary indulgences and general absolution as coronavirus crisis escalates
The decree states that the faithful can gain this plenary indulgence in a variety of ways while the pandemic lasts, such as by praying before the Blessed Sacrament, making Eucharistic Adoration or reading the Sacred Scriptures for a half an hour or more.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis prays the rosary, imploring God to rid Italy and the world of the coronavirus pandemic
Pope Francis said, “The prayer of the rosary is the prayer of the humble and of the saints who, through its mysteries, contemplate with Mary the life of Jesus, the merciful face of the Father.”
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis tells Italian newspaper: ‘I asked the Lord to stop the epidemic.’
Francis counseled: “Don’t waste these difficult days,” instead “rediscover” the importance of “small, concrete gestures expressing closeness and concreteness toward the people closest to us, a caress for our grandparents, a kiss for our children, for the people we love.”