Pope Francis during the Urbi et Orbi blessings on the steps of St Peter's Basilica
During the prayer service over which he presided on the steps of St Peter's Basilica on Friday evening, Pope Francis meditated on the calming of the storm from the Gospel of Mark
He said "Embracing his cross means finding the courage to embrace all the hardships of the present time, abandoning for a moment our eagerness for power and possessions in order to make room for the creativity that only the Spirit is capable of inspiring. It means finding the courage to create spaces where everyone can recognize that they are called, and to allow new forms of hospitality, fraternity and solidarity."
Extraordinary "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing - normally given only at Christmas and Easter was a response to the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Pope Francis granted plenary indulgence to those who watched and listened to the reading of scriptures, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and his final blessings as the world grapples from the COVID-19 pandemic.
