Amid Ongoing Pandemic, Pope Francis Invites All Christians to Pray; Announces Extraordinary Blessing

Pope Francis has invited Christians throughout the world to join him in prayer in response to the coronavirus pandemic. "Let us remain united. Let us make our closeness felt toward those persons who are the most lonely and tried," said the Holy Father after the March 22,  Sunday Angelus.

Specifically, Pope Francis called all Christians of every denomination to join together Wednesday, March 25 at noon (7:00 a.m. Eastern) to recite the  Our Father. That day marks the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, when the Catholic Church and many others celebrate the angel Gabriel's visitation to the Virgin Mary, announcing the incarnation of Christ in Mary's womb.

Additionally, Pope Francis said he will give an extraordinary blessing " urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world) on Friday, March 27 at 6:00 p.m. (1:00 p.m. Eastern). The formal blessing carries with it the possibility of receiving a plenary indulgence for all who follow by television, internet or radio subject to the conditions foreseen by the recent  Decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary. The ceremony will consist of readings from the Scriptures, prayers of supplication, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and will conclude with Pope Francis giving the  Urbi et orbi blessing.