Pope Francis called for global solidarity to confront the “epochal challenge” posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
With Italy experiencing the worst outbreak of the coronavirus outside China, Pope Francis urged followers to rediscover the importance of small gestures during this time of crisis.
“We feel close to each other despite this distance,” Luca Rosati, a Santa Emerenziana church parishioner said of the unusual open-air Easter service. “We can experience from here what we normally would experience inside the church, as a community.” Normally, fresh tulips and orchids would paint the promenade of St. Peter’s Square in a riot of color on Easter to underscore the day's message of life and rebirth following Christ’s crucifixion.
“After the Second World War, this beloved continent was able to rise again, thanks to a concrete spirit of solidarity that enabled it to overcome the rivalries of the past,” Francis said. “This is not a time for self-centeredness because the challenge we are facing is shared by all, without distinguishing between persons.”
Across Africa, many Christians followed services broadcast on television and radio. In Nigeria’s capital, a Catholic Mass was celebrated in Lagos’ empty cathedral, while Congo braced for a battle with both COVID-19 and an ongoing Ebola outbreak. “We are praying so that Lebanese officials work together in the spirit of collaboration to revive Lebanon economically, financially and socially,” Rai said in an almost empty church in Bkerki, northeast of Beirut, the seat of the Maronite Church he heads.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
Coronavirus live updates: Pope Francis celebrates quiet Easter Mass, stimulus checks hitThe Internal Revenue Service announced the first stimulus payments meant to ease economic fallout of the pandemic had been deposited into taxpayers’ bank accounts; meanwhile, most churches have canceled in-person services on Easter.
Lire la suite »
As Christians Mark Easter in Isolation, Pope Francis Proclaims ‘Contagion of Hope’Under restrictions imposed in response to the coronavirus pandemic, millions marked Easter Sunday at home, unable to receive Communion but in many cases watching their priests or ministers on TV or over the internet.
Lire la suite »
Pope Francis leads subdued Easter mass behind closed doorsReligious institutions across the globe were closed to the public on Sunday, in accordance with widespread social distancing regulations implemented during the coronavirus pandemic.
Lire la suite »
Pope Francis Praises The 'Contagion Of Hope' In Easter MessageDuring Easter service, Pope Francis called for nations to reduce — or even forgive — the poorest countries' debts. And he asked for an 'immediate global ceasefire' for all nations engaged in conflicts.
Lire la suite »
The Latest: Pope says pandemic poses 'epochal challenge'British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he owes his life to staff at the National Health Service who treated him for COVID-19.
Lire la suite »
Pope celebrates joy of Easter amid sorrow of virus pandemicPope Francis celebrated Easter Mass before a handful of the faithful sitting one per pew in St. Peter's Basilica as Christians around the world marked the most joyful day in the liturgical calendar amid sorrowful reminders of the coronavirus pandemic.
Lire la suite »