Here is the text of the Pope Francis’ extraordinary “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) address delivered Friday, March 27, at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City. “When evening had come.” The Gospel passage we have just heard begins like this. For weeks now it has been evening. Thick darkness has gathered over […]
COVID-19 is not God’s judgment, but a call to live differently, pope says
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — 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. Addressing God, the pope said that “it is not the time […]
Pope announces extraordinary ‘urbi et orbi’ blessing March 27
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — 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. The formal blessing — usually given only immediately after a new pope’s election […]