VATICAN CITY -- In an Easter celebration like no other, Pope Francis prayed that Christ, "who has already defeated death and opened for us the way to eternal salvation," would "dispel the darkness of our suffering humanity and lead us into the light of his glorious day, a day that knows no end."
Easter proclaims the victory of life even amid pandemic, Pope Francis says at Easter Vigil
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- In a dark and nearly empty St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis blessed a fire, lit the Easter candle and called Christians to keep kindling sparks of hope, knowing that Jesus has risen and death will not have the last word.
On Good Friday papal preacher reminds COVID-19 not divine punishment
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- The coronavirus is not some form of divine punishment but a tragic event that, like all suffering in one's life, is used by God to awaken humanity, said the preacher of the papal household.
On Holy Thursday, Pope Francis thanks God for world's priests
By Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Unable to invite Rome's priests to mark Holy Thursday in St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis thanked all priests for their service and called those who died ministering to the sick and health care workers part of the community of "saints next door."
Pandemic is prime time for conversion, Pope Francis says in interview
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- The COVID-19 quarantines, lockdowns and stay-at-home orders are the perfect opportunity for conversion: for individuals, for the church and for governments, Pope Francis said in an interview.
Pope Francis moves Good Friday collection for Holy Land to September
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- With Holy Week celebrations closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis postponed the traditional Good Friday collection for the Holy Land to September.
Pope Francis gives world extraordinary blessing amid COVID-19 crisis
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- The worldwide coronavirus pandemic is not God's judgment on humanity, but God's call on people to judge what is most important to them and resolve to act accordingly from now on, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis, Christian leaders around the globe join in prayer for pandemic's end
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Joined by Orthodox, Anglican and Protestant church leaders and faithful from around the world, Pope Francis led the recitation of the Lord's Prayer, imploring God's mercy on humanity amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Pope Francis: Priests caring for COVID-19 patients are heroes
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- 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.
'Every man for himself' is not a solution to pandemic, Pope Francis says
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- As more and more countries start to feel the economic pinch due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis urged business leaders to seek solutions that will not hurt employees and their families.
Pope Francis announces extraordinary 'urbi et orbi' blessing March 27
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- 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.