With the number of priests and religious dying from coronavirus-related illnesses rising, Pope Francis offered his prayers for those who died after being infected helping COVID-19 patients and their communities.
Pandemic can be time to rediscover love, kindness, pope says
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
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 prays family relationships thrive while stuck at home
Pope Francis prayed for families who are cooped up in their homes and for all those who are ill with COVID-19.
Italian priests, religious women are among victims of COVID-19
A number of priests and religious women have been among the nearly 2,000 people who have died in Italy because of illness connected with COVID-19.
Pope urges priests to tend to sick, health care workers during epidemic
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
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
The Vatican has instituted new measures and closures to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Pope has been diagnosed with cold; symptoms unrelated to other illness
Pope Francis has a common cold and has no symptoms that could be attributed to another illness, the Vatican said.
Shut off cellphone, open Bible for Lent, pope tells faithful
Lent is a time to remove all distractions and bitterness from one’s life in order to better hear God and those who suffer silently and need help, Pope Francis said.
Being meek does not mean being a pushover, pope says at audience
Those who are meek are patient, gentle and merciful, drawing people together and salvaging relationships, Pope Francis said.
Raphael’s tapestries briefly return to Sistine Chapel
An artistic masterpiece conceived by the Renaissance master Raphael was on display for one week in the Sistine Chapel to help celebrate the 500th anniversary of the artist’s death.