Opus Dei

Plenary indulgences can be obtained in many ways for the duration of the coronavirus epidemic. Along with a simple explanation, here is the text of the decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary, which explains it in detail.

"It is a time to get our lives back on track with regard to you, Lord, and to others," Pope Francis said in his address prior to presiding over the Eucharistic Adoration and then imparting an extraordinary 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing from Saint Peter's Square.

This papal blessing dates back to the time of the Roman Empire. Over the years, it was eventually extended to the entire Catholic population.​

Pope Francis has invited everyone to pray the Lord's Prayer at the same time on Wednesday, March 25, (12 noon Rome time), for an end to the pandemic. He will also give an extraordinary "Urbi et orbi" blessing on Friday, March 27, outside St. Peter's Basilica.

The Apostolic Penitenciary has announced that "the gift of special Indulgences is granted to the faithful suffering from COVID-19 disease, commonly known as Coronavirus, as well as to health care workers, family members and all those who care for them in any capacity, including through prayer." It also reminds the faithful of the possibility of collective absolution in times of emergency.

The “Holy Land Dialogues” held at the Saxum Visitor Center in Israel is an international colloquium that seeks to foster understanding and dialogue between people of different cultures.

Below are some links to online Masses which may be useful while there are no public Masses in churches (all times UK time or US EDT time).

A graduate of Makerere University in Uganda, Dr. Irene Kyamummi has worked for over ten years to provide health care for children in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya.

Pope Francis left the Vatican on Sunday to visit two important pilgrimage sites in Rome to pray for the world in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.

In Italy, the coronavirus has caused a lot of suffering as well as a lot of boredom. Some young people are connecting electronically to support one another during these exceptional circumstances.