“This may be the time,” he said, “to consider a universal basic wage.” This points to what is usually known as universal basic income—a regular, substantial cash payment to people just for being alive.

Pope Francis said in an Easter Sunday message that the coronavirus epidemic could also be an opportunity for affluent societies to re-evaluate patterns of consumption and exploitation.

In his Easter "Urbi et Orbi" address, Pope Francis appealed for a global ceasefire, as well as for the relaxing of sanctions and the reduction or forgiveness of the debt of poor countries. He urged an all-out effort to care for those who lack the basic necessities of life, including refugees and migrants.

At the Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday evening, Pope Francis delivered an inspiring homily in which he likened the experience of the women in Jerusalem to that of people around the world today as they endure the Covid-19 epidemic.

In an empty St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis presided over the historic 'Via Crucis" with help from groups of health care workers and prisoners.

The preacher of the papal household said on April 10, Good Friday, that "Christ's cross changed the meaning of pain and human suffering, in that both are no longer viewed as divine punishment or a curse."