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DO NOT BE AFRAID

desolate saint peters square

Video Summary of Pope Francis' Urbi et Orbi - Vatican Media

Pope Francis gave an extraordinary message “To the City and to the World” (Urbi et Orbi) on 27 March 2020 to pray for an end to the Covid-19 pandemic.  "We are all on the same boat" in this crisis and we cry out to Jesus as the disciples did, "Teacher, do you not care if we perish?"   Pope Francis reminded us of Jesus’ response to the disciples: “Why are you afraid?  Have you no faith?”  (Mark 4:40)

“Dear brothers and sisters, from this place that tells of Peter’s rock-solid faith, I would like this evening to entrust all of you to the Lord, through the intercession of Mary, Health of the People and Star of the stormy Sea. From this colonnade that embraces Rome and the whole world, may God’s blessing come down upon you as a consoling embrace. Lord, may you bless the world, give health to our bodies and comfort our hearts. You ask us not to be afraid. Yet our faith is weak and we are fearful. But you, Lord, will not leave us at the mercy of the storm. Tell us again: ‘Do not be afraid’ (Mt 28:5). And we, together with Peter, ‘cast all our anxieties onto you, for you care about us’ (cf. 1Pet 5:7).”

 Urbi et Orbi Reflection of Pope Francis Full Text