Pope Francis makes the sign of the cross at the beginning of Mass on the feast of the Annunciation, March 25, 2020, in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae at the Vatican. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

By Matthew Gambino • Posted March 26, 2020

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez is encouraging Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to join Pope Francis virtually and participate in his prayer service streaming live from St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican at 1 p.m. Eastern time Friday, March 27.

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In response to the coronavirus pandemic that has swept the world with devastating impact, the pope will continue to offer his prayers for the sick, suffering and their caregivers as well as government and health officials.

Coronavirus has infected almost 500,000 people worldwide and killed more than 22,000. Restrictions on personal contact have ground the world’s economies almost to a halt, and millions now are out of work.

At the prayer service Pope Francis will offer participants his “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) blessing usually delivered by the pope only at Christmas and Easter.

The blessing will enable participants the opportunity to receive a special plenary indulgence at this time. Learn more here.