Pope Francis "Prays to the Lord to Stop COVID-19"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Pope Francis revealed that he fervently prayed for the early end of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

In an interview with the Italian daily 'La Repubblica' published on the 18th (local time), the Pope said that three days earlier he visited a church in Rome and "prayed to the Lord to stop the epidemic."

On the 15th, the Pope visited Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica and Santa Marcello al Corso Church in Rome consecutively to pray. These moments were also made public by the media. In particular, images of him walking through the empty streets of Rome, due to the Italian government's stay-at-home orders and non-essential business closures, resonated deeply with many people.

The Pope further emphasized that this situation should serve as an opportunity to rediscover the importance of small acts of love and affection toward those close to us. "Hugging family or friends, making phone calls, offering warm meals?expressing kindness, affection, and compassion?may seem trivial or easily forgotten amid busy daily life, but these are decisive and important acts that give meaning to our lives," he said.

He also extended comfort to many who have lost loved ones to COVID-19, urging, "I want to ask everyone to be close to them in every possible way. Now is the time when they need consolation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.