The whole world is going into isolation due to the coronavirus outbreak and Italy has suffered the worst of it all. Keeping his faith, the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis decided to leave the Vatican while the country is on national lockdown.?
According to a Newsweek report, the religious leader left the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church on the Sabbath and travelled to Rome to pray at Basilica of Saint Mary Major. When asked about what he prayed for, he said, "I asked the Lord to stop the epidemic: Lord, stop it with your hand. That's what I prayed for."
Based on what Vatican News reported, he also?walked along the?Via del Corso?to reach the church of San Marcello al Corso. The church is home to a crucifix which is of great value to the Catholic community since it was carried throughout Rome in 1522 to during the Great Plague.
The Pope also spoke about during a time like this when most of us are at home with our loved ones, it is a great opportunity to strengthen our bonds with our family members. He said,?"Small, concrete gestures to loved ones, such as a caress for our grandparents, a kiss for our children, for the people we love. These are important, decisive gestures. If we live these days like this, they won't be wasted."
He also added,?"Sometimes, we only experience a virtual form of communication with one another. Instead, we should discover a new closeness. More concrete relationships made of attention and patience. This language made of concrete gestures must be safeguarded. In my opinion, the pain of these days should open us up to this concreteness."
The Pope has been tested negative for COVID-19.?