Pope Francis prays during his morning Mass March 23, 2020, in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae at the Vatican. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

By Catholic News Service • Posted March 23, 2020

(CNS) — Pope Francis has invited Christians around the world to respond to the coronavirus pandemic by joining him at the same time in praying the Lord’s Prayer at 7 a.m. Eastern time (noon in Rome) on Wednesday, March 25, the solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.

“To the pandemic of the virus we want to respond with the universality of prayer, compassion and tenderness,” Pope Francis said March 22 after reciting the Angelus prayer to an empty St. Peter’s Square in Rome.

“Let’s stay united. Let us make those who are alone and tested feel our closeness,” as well as doctors, nurses, other healthcare workers and volunteers.