IMAGE: CNS photo/Rhina Guidos By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — People often telephone Sister Maria Elena Romero, a Capuchin Franciscan Poor Clare in Wilmington, Delaware, to ask for her to pray for a personal intention, to sound out a problem, sometimes just to cry. But lately, she’s received a phone …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Dylan Martinez, Reuters By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The effects of the coronavirus can be defeated only with a combination of science and solidarity, said the president of the Pontifical Academy for Life. "An emergency like COVID-19 is fought especially with the antibodies of solidarity," said …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Thilo Schmuelgen, Reuters By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As Italy entered its second week of lockdown, Pope Francis urged Christians to remember the elderly who are suffering not only loneliness but also fear due to the spread of the coronavirus. "Today, I would like us …

IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Mt. Carmel Rehabilitation & Nursing Center By Carol Zimmermann WASHINGTON (CNS) — The impact of the coronavirus in the United States is likely felt the strongest in nursing homes around the country, and Catholic facilities are no exception. As of March 13, all nursing homes and long-term …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — Public Masses are banned throughout Italy, but literally thousands of Masses are celebrated each day and, in addition to watching them on television or computer screens, the faithful can receive "spiritual Communion." Pope Francis, after reciting a livestreamed Angelus prayer …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media via Reuters By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Standing in the window of the library of the Apostolic Palace overlooking an empty St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis blessed the city of Rome still under lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. During a …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis prayed for families who are cooped up in their homes and for all those who are ill with COVID-19. During a live broadcast of his daily morning Mass March 16, Pope Francis again prayed for the many …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — With Italy on lockdown and Rome streets almost deserted, Pope Francis left the Vatican March 15 in a mini-pilgrimage to an icon and to a crucifix associated with miraculous interventions to save the city and its people. The icon is …

By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican office that distributes free tickets to papal events has posted a notice on its website that "the liturgical celebrations of Holy Week will take place without the physical presence of the faithful." While public gatherings, including Masses, have been banned in …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Eloisa Lopez, Reuters By WASHINGTON (CNS) — In an effort to stem the pandemic of COVID-19, bishops’ conferences and dioceses around the world began suspending public Masses. The measures were designed to "flatten the curve," an effort to ease the burden on the health care system so treatment …