Tens of thousands of Catholic faithful traditionally cram into the Vatican’s St Peters’ Square to receive the Papal blessing. Holy week celebrations attract thousands of worshipers to Rome.
However amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Francis delivered his addresses to a deserted square recently. The “Urbi et Orbi” (To the city and the World) prayer is recited at Christmas, Easter and when a new Pontiff is chosen. The Pope’s prayers for an end to the pandemic were still heard across the globe however via live streaming and on social media.
