Five years ago March 27, 2025, Pope Francis delivered an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing in a nearly empty, rain-soaked St. Peter’s Square, offering hope during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 27, 2020, as the world faced lockdowns and uncertainty, the Holy Father prayed for an end to the crisis and God's mercy, stating in part, "Lord, may you bless the world, give health to our bodies and comfort our hearts. You ask us not to be afraid. Yet our faith is weak, and we are fearful. But you, Lord, will not leave us at the mercy of the storm. Tell us again: 'Do not be afraid.'" Accompanied by the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani and the miraculous crucifix of San Marcello, he reminded the world from a distance that God’s presence endures even in the darkest times. EWTN Vatican journalist Bénédicte Cedergren has more.
Related reading : Pope Francis’ pandemic prayer 5 years later: ‘Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?’
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