Sunday that he will offer his “Urbi et Orbi” special blessing Friday, March 27th as the coronavirus pandemic continues worldwide. The pope said he plans to offer the blessing traditionally only given at Christmas and Easter this Friday as the COVID-19 outbreak has infected hundreds of thousands and disrupted societies around the globe. Friday’s blessing will be delivered in an empty St. Peter’s Square. Catholics can receive a special indulgence in person or online, which is a remission of punishment for sins.
The Pope requested Christians around the world say the “Our Father” prayer at noon Italian time. “We want to respond to the pandemic of the virus with the universality of prayer, of compassion, of tenderness. Let’s remain united”.