Vatican City, Apr 10, 2020 / 10:57 am
Through his death on the cross, Jesus has redeemed all human pain, including the suffering caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap., said at the Vatican on Good Friday.
The apostolic preacher said "the cross of Christ has changed the meaning of pain and human suffering -- of every kind of suffering, physical and moral."
"It is no longer punishment, a curse. It was redeemed at its root when the Son of God took it upon himself," he said April 10 in St. Peter's Basilica.
Due to the coronavirus crisis, the solemn celebration took place with only a small congregation. As a precaution, only Pope Francis kissed the crucifix during the adoration of the cross.