VATICAN (CNS): In light of the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic as well as social and environmental crises worldwide, Pope Francis announced he would begin a new series of general audience talks aimed at helping build “the future that we need.”
During his weekly general audience on August 5, he said, “In the next few weeks, I invite you to tackle together the pressing questions that the pandemic has brought to the fore, social ills above all. And we will do it in the light of the gospel, of the theological virtues and of the principles of the Church’s social doctrine.”
Pope Francis noted how the pandemic continues to bring illness and death to so many people and “cause deep wounds, exposing our vulnerability.”
He said, “Many people and many families are living a time of uncertainty because of socio-economic problems which especially affect the poorest,” he said, but noted that by keeping their focus on Christ, Christians can find strength and healing in the gospel and the virtues of faith, hope and charity.
These are gifts from God “that heal us and that make us healers, gifts that open us to new horizons, even while we are navigating the difficult waters of our time.”
Pope Francis said, “we can ask ourselves: today, in what way can we help heal our world?” because we is are also called to continue his work of healing and salvation “in a physical, social and spiritual sense.”
