Pope Francis, "Today is a Sunday of Tears for All of Us"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Pope Francis once again expressed consolation and sorrow for all those suffering from the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 29th (local time), during the morning Mass he presided over at the Vatican's 'Casa Santa Maria,' the Pope said, "Today, I think of all those crying out because of COVID-19." He continued, "Those in quarantine, the elderly living alone, those hospitalized and undergoing treatment, parents who cannot buy food for their children because they are not receiving wages ? all are weeping," adding, "Together with the Lord's tears, we too will be with them from the heart."

The Pope conveyed his heartfelt sorrow, saying, "Let us ask the Lord for grace," and "I weep with you. Today is a Sunday of tears for all of us."

During the Sunday Angelus prayer broadcast online that day, the Pope appealed to stop all forms of hostility worldwide and to unite efforts in humanitarian aid for those in hardship. This appears to be a supportive statement following UN Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres' call on the 23rd to immediately halt armed conflicts worldwide and focus on combating COVID-19.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 27th, the Pope presided over a special prayer at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, pleading to God, "Do not abandon us in the whirlwind of the storm."

Meanwhile, the Holy See officially announced the previous day that the virus test results for the Pope and his closest aides were negative. After a monsignor (a senior Catholic cleric without episcopal ordination) residing at the Pope's residence, 'Casa Santa Marta,' was confirmed positive for COVID-19, extensive virus testing was conducted.