Pope Francis delivers mass behind closed doors
Addressing “a world already faced with epochal challenges and now oppressed by a pandemic severely testing our whole human family,” Francis spoke of “the contagion of hope.” The pope acknowledged that for many, “this is an Easter of solitude lived amid the sorrow and hardship that the pandemic is causing, from physical suffering to economic difficulties.”
He called for global solidarity in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, saying selfishness had to be rejected by all.
He said his thoughts were with those directly affected by the virus: doctors and nurses, the sick, those who had died and their family members in mourning. God is with us, he said, “firmly reassuring us: Do not be afraid, I have risen and I am with you still.”
Acknowledging those who face an uncertain economic future and fears of unemployment, the pontiff called on political leaders “to work actively for the common good, to provide the means and resources needed to enable everyone to lead a dignified life and, when circumstances allow, to assist them in resuming their normal daily activities.”
“This is not a time for indifference,” Francis said, “because the whole world is suffering and needs to be united in facing the pandemic.”
He said his thoughts were with those directly affected by the virus: doctors and nurses, the sick, those who had died and their family members in mourning. God is with us, he said, “firmly reassuring us: Do not be afraid, I have risen and I am with you still.”
Acknowledging those who face an uncertain economic future and fears of unemployment, the pontiff called on political leaders “to work actively for the common good, to provide the means and resources needed to enable everyone to lead a dignified life and, when circumstances allow, to assist them in resuming their normal daily activities.”
“This is not a time for indifference,” Francis said, “because the whole world is suffering and needs to be united in facing the pandemic.”
