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.

During these days of quarantine, most of us find it very difficult to go to confession. Perhaps a return to normalcy is still far off, but the moment God sees that we are repentant, He hurries towards us, excited and proud that we are returning home.

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.

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.

Pope Francis was elected on March 13, 2013. He speaks here about the protection Saint Joseph constantly provides in watching over the Church.

"Let us pray together that the Church in China may persevere in its faithfulness to the Gospel and grow in unity."

"In the sacrament of Penance, the fire of God’s love consumes the ashes of our sin." Homily of Pope Francis in the Basilica of Santa Sabina, Ash Wednesday, 26 February 2020.