By Currents News
One of the Pontiff’s most iconic moments… happened when the world was forced indoors.
In March of 2020 – everything shut down –thousands were dying by the day as medical personnel tried to figure out the deadly virus that was quickly spreading.
But amid the chaos – was Pope Francis, bringing the light of Christ to the people of God.
It was a stunning sight…
Pope Francis– walking through an empty St. Peter’s Square…
It was March 27th 2020… just two weeks after the coronavirus was declared a global pandemic… when the Holy Father made history at the Vatican.
Giving an Urbi et Orbi blessing while standing alone in this iconic square… as the faithful took part virtually.
This blessing is usually reserved for special occasions like Easter, Christmas and the election of a new Pope.
But an exception was made on this day…
As Pope Francis led an extraordinary moment of prayer…
Praying for an end to the coronavirus.
“We carried on regardless, thinking we would stay healthy in a world that was sick. Now that we are in a stormy sea, we implore you, ‘Wake up, Lord!,'” Pope Francis said.
The stunning gesture from the Pope during a time of uncertainty and fear across the globe…
It was a way for the Holy Father to connect with the faithful spiritually– despite the quarantine, church closures, and lack of sacraments.
Pope Francis closely watched as the pandemic developed.
Italy was one of the countries hardest hit– with nearly a thousand deaths every day.
Just days before this special blessing– an Italian priest living in the same guesthouse that Pope Francis called home– tested positive for the virus.
During daily Masses– the Pope prayed for people living in fear…
“Let us pray today for the many people who are not succeeding in coping, and remain in fear because of this pandemic… May the Lord help them get up, react for the good of society, of the entire community,” Pope Francis said.
And each day he would pray for a different group…
From the sick– to those caring for them…
Journalists covering the pandemic…
And people living on the streets….
“We pray today for those who are homeless, at this moment in which everyone is supposed to be at home,” Pope Francis said.
But the Pope didn’t just offer prayers during the pandemic– he jumped into action…
He sent desperately needed ventilators to hospitals in Italy…
And set up an emergency fund to help those suffering from the pandemic…
The Holy Father was the first to contribute– making a 750-thousand-dollar donation.
Pope Francis also encouraged the faithful to get the vaccine– calling it an ethical duty.
And he led by example– as both he and Pope Emeritus Benedict the 16th were vaccinated.
The Pope even took part in a video campaign… urging people to protect themselves– as an act of love for others…
“Getting vaccinated is a simple yet profound way to care for one another, especially the most vulnerable. I pray to God that each one of us can make his or her own small gesture of love.”