«Let’s not forget, let’s not forget the victims of coronavirus.»
Pope Francis made this strong appeal during his concluding remarks, following his Sunday Angelus address yesterday, Aug. 23, 2020, at noon, to socially distant faithful gathered in a sunny St. Peter’s Square.
«This morning.» he said, «I heard the testimony of a family who lost their grandparents without being able to say goodbye and greet them on the same day.
«So much suffering, so many people who have lost their lives, victims of the disease,» he decried, adding: «many volunteers, doctors, nurses, nuns, priests, who also lost their lives.»
«We remember the families who have suffered for this,» he said.
This comments came during his greetings to Romans and pilgrims, following a shout out to young people of the Italian Parish of Cernusco sul Naviglio, «these who are in yellow there, who left Siena by bicycle and arrived today in Rome along the Via Francigena. You have been good!»
He then greeted a group of families from Carobbio degli Angeli, in the Italian province of Bergamo, «who came in pilgrimage in memory of the victims of Coronavirus. »
Bergamo was considered an epicenter of COVID-19 deaths in Italy, where the virus claimed thousands of lives.
Following last week’s Sunday Angelus, the Pope reminded that we cannot forget all those who still are suffering with and from COVID and its effects….
«These days,» he acknowledged, «are days of vacation: it can be a time to restore the body, but also the spirit through moments dedicated to prayer, to silence and to relaxing contact with the beauty of nature, God’s gift.»
«This,» he however underscored, «should not allow us to forget the problems there are due to Covid.»
«Many families,» he acknowledged, «do not have work, have lost work, and have nothing to eat.»
During our summer breaks, Francis encouraged, we should actively promote works of charity and draw near these families.
The Pope went on to greet everyone present, including those from Rome and pilgrims from various countries.
Pope Francis concluded, wishing all those present a happy Sunday, and saying «please do not forget to pray for me. Enjoy your lunch!»
Pope Francis concluded, wishing all those present or following the Angelus via streaming, a happy Sunday, and saying: «please do not forget to pray for me. Enjoy your lunch!»
