Rome, Italy, Mar 11, 2020 / 14:21 pm
As the Diocese of Rome holds a day of prayer and fasting for victims of coronavirus, Pope Francis sent a message asking for the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, invoking her under her title of Salus Populi Romani.
"Under Your protection we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not despise the entreaties of us who are in trial, and free us from every danger, glorious and blessed Virgin," Francis prayed March 11 via video.
"You, Protectress of the Roman People, you know what we need and we are sure that you will provide so that, as in Cana of Galilee, joy and celebration may return after this trying moment," he said.
The pope's prayer video was sent as part of the Diocese of Rome's call to spend March 11 in prayer and fasting for those who are sick with or have died from coronavirus.