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.

As more countries continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the term “lockdown,” normally used to describe confining prisoners to their cells, has taken on a whole new meaning.

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.

“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.

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.

Europe’s Catholic shrines have followed directives for combating the coronavirus by tightly restricting organized events, although some pledged to stay open for Masses and pastoral care.

Pope Francis urged people to join the Italian bishops’ request that Catholics pray the luminous mysteries of the rosary together March 19, the feast of St. Joseph.

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 Francis asked people to pray for all victims of COVID-19, including the health care workers who sacrificed their lives caring for others.

The effects of the coronavirus can be defeated only with a combination of science and solidarity, said the president of the Pontifical Academy for Life.