Opus Dei

In his Wednesday audience, Pope Francis wanted to commemorate Earth Day as an "opportunity to renew our commitment to love and care for our common home, as well as the weakest members of our family."

In his April 1st letter, the Prelate of Opus Dei encouraged us to "take advantage of the opportunities that technology offers to follow the Holy Week services united to the Pope." To help you do this, this article will be updated during the week with the Pope's homilies, messages, and more.

"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.

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.