Due to the global coronavirus outbreak, Pope Francis prayed the midday Marian prayer via live video from his library in the Vatican’s apostolic palace. Usually he leads the prayer from a window overlooking pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
“These days St. Peter’s Square is closed,” the pope remarked, “so my greeting goes directly to you who are connected through the media.”
“Thank you so much for all the strength each of you gives to help during this very difficult moment,” he said. “May the Lord bless you and Our Lady guard you.”
He renewed his closeness to the sick, those who care for them, and to workers and volunteers helping people who cannot leave their homes.
Francis also expressed his closeness to those who are helping to meet the needs of the poor and homeless during the coronavirus pandemic.
He thanked the archbishop of Milan for his closeness to his people and to God in prayer. He also thanked priests, especially those in northern Italy, for being creative in their solutions to help Catholics feel supported during this time.
Pope Francis offered his morning Mass at Casa Santa Marta March 15 for all those who, during the coronavirus pandemic, keep the city running with their work: “employees of the pharmacies, the supermarkets, transportation, policemen.”
“Let us pray for all those who are working so that community life, city life, can go on at this moment,” he said.
The pope’s morning Masses, which will continue to be livestreamed every day next week, are being offered for those who are sick with coronavirus and for the suffering.
In his homily, Francis reflected on Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. At this meeting, Jesus reveals his identity as the Messiah for the first time in the Gospels.
