Pope Francis on facing challenges
of the coronavirus pandemic
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| Pope Francis prays before the crucifix in St Marcelo church on the Via del Corso, Rome (Vatican Media) |
In an interview with the Italian daily newspaper, “La
Repubblica”, Pope Francis says he is praying for an end to the coronavirus
pandemic, and asks everyone to be close to those who have lost loved ones.
By Vatican News
"I asked the Lord to stop the epidemic: ‘Lord, stop it
with your hand’. That is what I prayed for”. Pope Francis revealed the content
of his prayer in an interview with Italian journalist, Paolo Rodari, published
in Wednesday’s edition of “La Repubblica” newspaper. Pope Francis made this
prayer when he visited the Roman churches of Saints Mary Major and Marcello on
the Via del Corso last Sunday.
In the interview, Pope Francis offers advice about how to
face the daily challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic: "We need to
rediscover the concreteness of small things, the small acts of kindness shown
to those who are close to us, family, friends. We need to realize that our
treasure lies in small things. There are tiny gestures that sometimes get lost
in the routine of everyday life, gestures of tenderness, affection, compassion,
that are nevertheless decisive, important”, he says. The Pope gives the
examples of sharing “a hot plate of food, a caress, a hug, a phone call...
These are familiar, attentive gestures regarding everyday details that make
life meaningful, and create communion and communication amongst us".
Pope Francis observes that many time communication is only
“virtual”. “Instead we should discover a new closeness”, he says. “Real relationships
made of attentiveness and patience”. The Pope describes how some families eat
together at home in silence – not because they are listening to one another,
but because “the parents are watching television while they eat, and their
children are on their mobile phones”. Pope Francis describes this kind of
family as “monks isolated from one another”. There is no communication here, he
says. “Instead, listening to one another is important because we understand one
another's needs, struggles, desires”. “There is a language made of concrete
gestures that must be safeguarded”, continues the Pope. The suffering people
are enduring at this time should make us open to this language.
In the interview, Pope Francis expresses his appreciation
for healthcare personnel and volunteers. He thanks those who dedicate
themselves to helping others in this way, and describes them as “an example” of
the concreteness of small acts of kindness. The Pope invites “everyone to be
close to those who have lost loved ones, to try to accompany them in every way
possible”. We must all be dedicated to consoling others, he adds. Pope Francis
mentions that he was particularly struck by an article he read recently. In it,
the author indicates how "our behaviour always affects others’ lives".
The example cited was that of how not paying our taxes, leads to lack of
healthcare services.
Finally, Pope Francis invites everyone to hope — even those
who do not believe. "We are all children of God, and He watches over us”,
says the Pope. “Even those who have not yet met God, those who do not have the
gift of faith, can find their way through the good things that they believe in.
They can find strength in their love for their children, their family, their
brothers and sisters. Someone might say: ‘I cannot pray because I do not
believe’. But at the same time”, concludes Pope Francis, “we can believe in the
love of the people we have around us, and there we can find hope".
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