Pope announces extraordinary ‘urbi et orbi’ blessing March 27 March 22, 2020By Cindy Wooden Filed Under: Coronavirus, Feature, News, Vatican, World News In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis said he will give an extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) at 6 p.m. Rome time March 27.
Vatican issues decree for Holy Week liturgies with pandemic restrictions March 21, 2020By Cindy Wooden Filed Under: Coronavirus, Feature, Lent, News, Vatican, World News “By the mandate of the supreme pontiff for the year 2020 only,” the congregation issued guidelines March 20 for celebrating the Triduum and Easter liturgies without the presence of the faithful.
Stay firm in faith, seek St. Joseph’s intercession, pope says March 19, 2020By Cindy Wooden Filed Under: Coronavirus, News, Saints, Vatican, Video, World News In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the daily lives and routines of millions of people have been turned upside down, Pope Francis said, but they must help each other stay firm in faith.
Pandemic can be time to rediscover love, kindness, pope says March 18, 2020By Carol Glatz Filed Under: Coronavirus, Feature, News, Vatican, World News People must use this time of the coronavirus pandemic to rediscover the importance of small, concrete gestures of affection and care toward others, Pope Francis said in a new interview.
Pope prays for coronavirus victims, workers who died serving others March 18, 2020By Carol Glatz Filed Under: Coronavirus, Feature, News, Vatican, World News Pope Francis asked people to pray for all victims of COVID-19, including the health care workers who sacrificed their lives caring for others.
Pope makes mini-pilgrimage outside Vatican to pray for end of pandemic March 16, 2020By Cindy Wooden Filed Under: Coronavirus, Feature, News, Vatican, World News With Italy on lockdown and Rome streets almost deserted, Pope Francis left the Vatican March 15 in a mini-pilgrimage to an icon and to a crucifix associated with miraculous interventions to save the city and its people.
Pope urges priests to tend to sick, health care workers during epidemic March 10, 2020By Carol Glatz Filed Under: Coronavirus, News, Vatican, World News Pope Francis prayed that priests would find the courage to visit those who are sick and offer accompaniment to health care professionals and volunteers working during the coronavirus epidemic while also keeping themselves and others safe.
Vatican closes St. Peter’s Square, Basilica to tourists through April 3 March 10, 2020By Carol Glatz Filed Under: Coronavirus, News, Vatican, World News In cooperation with Italian emergency measures, the Vatican has closed St. Peter’s Square and Basilica to tourists starting March 10 through April 3.
Vatican closes museums, beefs up measures to stop virus spread March 9, 2020By Carol Glatz Filed Under: Coronavirus, News, Vatican, Video, World News The Vatican has instituted new measures and closures to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Pope chooses ‘synodality’ as theme for 2022 synod March 9, 2020By Cindy Wooden Filed Under: Feature, News, Synodality, Vatican, World News Pope Francis has decided the next world Synod of Bishops at the Vatican, which will take place in October 2022, will have the theme: “For a synodal church: Communion, participation and mission.”
Person tests positive for coronavirus in Vatican City March 6, 2020By Junno Arocho Esteves Filed Under: Coronavirus, News, Vatican, World News The Vatican health clinic was closed temporarily after a person tested positive for the coronavirus, the Vatican announced.
Pope has been diagnosed with cold; symptoms unrelated to other illness March 4, 2020By Carol Glatz Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News Pope Francis has a common cold and has no symptoms that could be attributed to another illness, the Vatican said.