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‘May the Lord Welcome the Deceased, & Provide Comfort,’ Pope Francis Prays for China in Wake of Virus Outbreak

Also Recalling Today Marks World Leprosy Day, Expresses Closeness to All Ill & Those Who Help Those With Hansen’s Disease

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“I would also like to pray for people who are sick because of the virus that has spread in China…”
Pope Francis expressed this during his Angelus address today, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, recalling the  Coronavirus in the Asian country, which to date has claimed 56 lives and infected some 2000 others. There are other isolated cases being treated around the world, and travel restrictions are being imposed in order to prevent it further spreading.

Recalling this outbreak, the Holy Father prayed: “May the Lord welcome the deceased in His peace, comfort families and support the great commitment already put in place to fight the epidemic.”

The Holy Father also recalled that today is World Leprosy Day.

“We are close to all people with Hansen’s (Leprosy) disease and to those who take care of them in different ways,” he said.

As usual, the Holy Father concluded wishing those present a good Sunday and lunch, and reminding them to pray for him.

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Full Angelus Address: to be made available shortly

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Deborah Castellano Lubov

Deborah Castellano Lubov is Senior Vatican & Rome Correspondent for ZENIT; author of 'The Other Francis' ('L'Altro Francesco') featuring interviews with those closest to the Pope and preface by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin (currently published in 5 languages); Deborah is also NBC & MSNBC Vatican Analyst. She often covers the Pope's travels abroad, often from the Papal Flight (including for historic trips such as to Abu Dhabi and Japan & Thailand), and has also asked him questions on the return-flight press conference on behalf of the English-speaking press present. Lubov has done much TV & radio commentary, including for NBC, Sky, EWTN, BBC, Vatican Radio, AP, Reuters and more. She also has contributed to various books on the Pope and has written for various Catholic publications. For 'The Other Francis': http://www.gracewing.co.uk/page219.html or https://www.amazon.com/Other-Francis-Everything-They-about/dp/0852449348/

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