After praying the Regina Coeli, the pope reminded the faithful that Masses in Italy reopen to the public this week.
Since March 8, Catholics have not been able to participate in liturgical celebrations because of the pandemic.
Pope Francis called for prudence.
POPE FRANCIS
Please, let us continue to respect the rules and measure given to us to take care of the health of each person and of the people.
The pope also addressed children around the world who were supposed to do their First Communion, but couldn't, because of the pandemic.
POPE FRANCIS
I invite you to live this time of waiting as an opportunity to better prepare yourselves, by praying, reading the catechism and deepening your knowledge of Jesus, and by growing in charity and service to others.
In his brief meditation, he reflected on Jesus' new commandment of reciprocal love.
POPE FRANCIS
He didn't say, 'Love me as I have loved you.' Instead, He said, 'Love one another as I have loved you.' He loves us without asking for anything in return. Jesus' love is gratuitous. He never asks for compensation. He wants His gratuitous love to become the concrete form of life among us. That is His will.
As he does every week following the prayer, the pope went blessed the city from one of the windows of the apostolic palace.
Although the square was empty, some pilgrims approached the security barriers.
Daniel Díaz Vizzi / JMB
Translation: Claudia Torres
