Vatican

Vatican does coronavirus testing, says Pope Francis does not have virus

Mar 30, 2020

The Vatican said Pope Francis does not have the coronavirus, and that recent testing of 170 Holy See employees for COVID-19 resulted in only one new case.
Pope at Mass: 'I am thinking of the people who are weeping'

Mar 30, 2020

Pope Francis expresses the desire during Mass on Sunday morning at the Casa Santa Marta that this Fifth Sunday of Lent be a Sunday of tears.
Litany of Supplication used at special Urbi et orbi

Mar 30, 2020

After receiving a number of requests, please find below the English translation of the Litany of Supplication used during the prayer service on Friday evening presided over by Pope Francis on the steps of St Peter’s Basilica.
Covid-19: A global ceasefire to protect the vulnerable

Mar 30, 2020

As Pope Francis and the UN Secretary General call for a global ceasefire, humanitarian organisations highlight the threat posed by the Coronavirus to migrants, and civilians living in conflict zones.
Pope appoints new counsellor to Vatican Apostolic Penitentiary

Mar 30, 2020

Pope Francis has appointed Fr Giuseppe Tonello as counsellor to the Apostolic Penitentiary, the Vatican Dicastery that issued the recent decree granting plenary indulgences to the faithful affected by Covid-19.
A prayer to Our Lady of Good Health

Mar 29, 2020

Pope Francis composes a prayer to Our Lady, Health of the Sick, to implore her protection during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Guidelines for Bishops and priests: Easter date cannot be changed, despite coronavirus

Mar 29, 2020

The Vatican department for liturgy published guidelines Friday for bishops and priests on the celebration of Holy Week, the Triduum, and Easter liturgies during the coronavirus pandemic.
Pope’s special Urbi et Orbi blessing: ‘God turns everything to our good’

Mar 28, 2020

Pope Francis delivers an extraordinary blessing “To the City and to the World” on Friday to pray for an end to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. In his meditation, the Pope reflects on Jesus’ words to His disciples: “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” Full text included.
Pope at Urbi et orbi: Full text of his meditation

Mar 28, 2020

Pope Francis meditated on the calming of the storm from the Gospel of Mark during the prayer service over which he presided on the steps of St Peter's Basilica on Friday evening. Here is the full text.
Pope at Mass: Thank you to those who pray for people in difficulty

Mar 28, 2020

In his Mass at Casa Santa Marta on Friday, Pope Francis expresses his gratitude for those who are concerned for the sick, the elderly, and families that don’t have the means to get by.