Vatican City, Apr 23, 2020 / 07:00 am (CNA).- Pope Francis asked people to pray on Thursday for families who are struggling to put food on the table during the coronavirus pandemic.

“In many places, one of the effects of this pandemic is that many families find themselves in need, and they are hungry,” Pope Francis said April 23 during the broadcast of his morning Mass.

“Let us pray for these families, for their dignity,” he added. 

Vatican City, Apr 22, 2020 / 11:10 am (CNA).- Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin met with members of the Roman curia on Wednesday to discuss the gradual reopening of Holy See offices as Italy prepares to end its national lockdown.

The heads of Vatican dicasteries decided to implement a “gradual reactivation of ordinary services” starting in May, while “safeguarding the health precautions to limit contagion,” according to a statement from the Holy See Press Office April 22.

Vatican City, Apr 22, 2020 / 04:30 am (CNA).- The crucifix is not just a symbol or wall decoration, it is the entire expression of the love of God, who sent his Son to die for us and for our sins, Pope Francis said at Mass Wednesday. 

“How many people, how many Christians spend time looking at the crucifix…” the pope said April 22 in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, his Vatican residence.

Vatican City, Apr 21, 2020 / 03:30 am (CNA).- The Holy Spirit can help Christians overcome the three temptations that destroy community life, Pope Francis said at his morning Mass Tuesday.

The pope noted April 21 that money, vanity and idle chatter have divided believers since the early days of Christianity.