With the streets of Rome empty and church pews vacant because of the coronavirus, Pope Francis supports the day of prayer and fasting being observed today by the Church in Rome.
In his video-message, Pope Francis entrusts the people of Rome, Italy and the world, to Our Lady of Divine Love.
POPE FRANCIS
You, savior of the Roman people, know what we need, and we are sure that you will provide, so that, as in Canaan of Galilee, joy and feasting will continue after this moment of trial.
Our Lady of Divine Love holds special significance for the people of Rome, as a number of miracles have been attributed to her intercession.
The pope chose to recite the Angelus in front of an image of Our Lady last Sunday, when he was constrained to remain in the apostolic library.