On March 27, 2020, something both simple and significant happened.
That late afternoon, Saint Peter’s Square was incredibly deserted. As the flashing blue lights of police cars bounced off the colonnade, Pope Francis - alone - entered the square to give the world a special blessing.
At the height of the international COVID-19 lockdowns, in the pouring rain, Pope Francis united the entire world in prayer.
The Pope proclaimed from the steps of the basilica, our ancient place of pilgrimage and worship, the Holy Father directed us to meditate on the Biblical story of the disciples caught in a storm at sea.
Pope Francis told us,
The mystery of the cross
The Pope then directed our attention to the mystery of the cross. He told us,
Imparting his blessing
The Pope concluded by offering an exhortation of faith, saying,
