Vatican City, Jul 10, 2020 / 10:30 am
Pope Francis sent a video message Thursday to the priests who work in Argentina's poor neighborhoods serving the sick and vulnerable amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"I want to be close to you at this time, as I know that you are fighting with prayer and the help of medical professionals," Pope Francis said in the video published on Twitter by Buenos Aires priests July 9.
The pope said that he had heard that three priests who minister in the barrios had become sick. He mentioned in particular Fr. Basilicio "Bachi" Britez, who has been hospitalized with COVID-19 since June 21, according to Vatican News.
"I want to tell you that I am close to you, that I pray for you, that I accompany you at this time, all the people of God, along with their sick priests," the pope said.