For the first time in his pontificate, Pope Francis was constrained to pray the Angelus from inside his library, as a preventive measure against further spread of the coronavirus.
POPE FRANCIS
It's a little strange, praying the Angelus today, with the pope “caged” in the library. However, I see you. I am close to you.
The pope also acknowledged a group in the square holding a banner with the words, “For those forgotten in Idlib,” a Syrian city from where civilians are fleeing due to continued violence.
POPE FRANCIS
We must not take our gaze from this humanitarian crisis. Rather, we must prioritize it above every other interest. Let us pray for these people, our brothers and sisters, who suffer so much in northwest Syria, in the city of Idlib.
Reflecting on the Transfiguration of Jesus in front of three of the apostles, the pope said Christ's love has no measures, but rather, is freely given . He reminded Christians of their call to be close to Him and witness to this.
POPE FRANCIS
Being witnesses for Christ is a gift we do not deserve. We feel inadequate, but we can't hold back using our incapacity as an excuse.
The pope couldn't resist going to the usual window for a moment, to greet the few pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.
