By Katie Ascough - 27 March, 2020
Pope Francis
Today at 5 p.m. Irish time, the Holy Father Pope Francis will preside over an extraordinary global celebration (Statio orbis) of prayer. It will take place on the sagrato of Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome, the platform at the top of the steps immediately in front of the façade of the church.
The ceremony will consist of readings from the scriptures, prayers of supplication, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. It will conclude with Pope Francis giving his Urbi et Orbi (to the City [of Rome] and to the world) blessing. During this prayer ceremony, the Pope will grant to participants all over the world a plenary indulgence in the context of COVID-19.
Archbishop Eamon Martin said, “In the midst of this horrendous COVID-19 pandemic, I thank the Holy Father for his compassion, hope and solidarity by leading us in prayer with an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing on Friday. This blessing will be a very significant celebration of the mercy of God towards humanity, especially in these current and trying circumstances …
“I gratefully acknowledge our national public service broadcaster, RTÉ, for facilitating the live broadcast of Pope Francis’ extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing at 5 p.m. on its News Now channel (6 p.m. Rome time). Urbi et Orbi is a very significant blessing which normally is only given by Pope Francis on Christmas and Easter.
“The wide dissemination of his important message and blessing will be welcomed by the many, many people throughout Ireland as an opportunity to avail ourselves of Divine Grace. I encourage everyone to watch this special broadcast.”
The conditions for this plenary indulgence are set out here.
RTÉ News Now can be received on Saorview channel 21; Virgin Media 200; Sky 521; Eir 500 and on the RTÉ News Now App.
