## A Silent Square, A Global Prayer: When the Pope Faced an Empty St. Peter’s On March 27, 2020, the world held its breath. A global pandemic had gripped the planet, leaving even the most vibrant cities eerily quiet. But in the heart of Rome, a different kind of silence descended upon St. Peter’s Square. The iconic space, usually teeming with pilgrims and tourists, stood desolate, save for a single figure: Pope Francis. This wasn’t just an empty square; it was a silent plea echoing across continents, a moment captured in history, and a testament to the power of faith in the face of unprecedented uncertainty. Join us as we delve into that poignant day, exploring the emotions, the impact, and the enduring message of Pope Francis’ prayer for a world in need.
Seizing the Time of Trial
On March 27, 2020, Pope Francis addressed God, saying: “You are calling on us to seize this time of trial as a time of choosing. It is not the time of your judgement, but of our judgement: a time to choose what matters and what passes away, a time to separate what is necessary from what is not. It is a time to get our lives back on track with regard to you, Lord, and to others.”
Choosing What Matters, Separating the Necessary from the Unnecessary
The Pope’s words echoed a powerful message: in the face of crisis, we must choose what truly matters. We must separate what is essential from what is non-essential, and refocus our lives on what truly counts.
Getting Lives Back on Track with God and Others
This message is just as relevant today as it was five years ago. We must recognize that a crisis never leaves us the same, never. We come out better or we come out worse.
The Pope’s Reflection on Crisis and Change
In the following months, Pope Francis would repeat that “a crisis never leaves us the same, never. We come out better or we come out worse.”
Coming Out Better or Worse: The Outcome of a Crisis
Five years later, looking around, it is impossible to claim that we have come out better, with a world shaken by the violence of the lords of war, who focus on rearmament instead of fighting hunger. We are no longer in quarantine, and now the situation has reversed: the square is filled with people celebrating the Jubilee, while the Bishop of Rome, who prays for us and for peace from his room at the Casa Santa Marta, is absent, convalescing from a serious pneumonia.
The Lasting Impact of the Pope’s Prayer
A world still in need of reflection, five years later.
A World Still in Need of Reflection
Five years have passed since Pope Francis ascended the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica alone. It was raining that evening. The square was dramatically empty, even though millions of people around the world were tuned in to him, glued to their television screens, still locked inside the long quarantine of the lockdown, frightened by the invisible virus that was claiming many victims, taking them away to the intensive care units of hospitals, without relatives being able to see them, greet them, or even hold funerals for them.
Five Years Later: A World Shaken by War and Hunger
We are no longer in quarantine, and now the situation has reversed: the square is filled with people celebrating the Jubilee, while the Bishop of Rome, who prays for us and for peace from his room at the Casa Santa Marta, is absent, convalescing from a serious pneumonia.
The Relevance of the Pope’s Words Today
Yet, that connection has not been broken, and his words from that day are more relevant than ever: even today, especially today, it is “the time to choose what counts and what passes.”
The Connection Remains Unbroken
The Pope’s continued prayer for peace and humanity.
The Pope’s Continued Prayer for Peace and Humanity
The Pope’s words from that day are more relevant than ever: even today, especially today, it is “the time to choose what counts and what passes.”
The Importance of Choosing What Counts in Today’s World
In today’s world, it is more important than ever to choose what truly counts. We must not be swayed by the fleeting and the insignificant, but rather focus on what truly matters.
Conclusion
As the world grappled with the unprecedented pandemic, Pope Francis took a bold step on March 27, 2020, by praying for the world in an empty St. Peter’s Square. The Vatican News article provided a glimpse into this poignant moment, highlighting the Pope’s unwavering commitment to unity and compassion. Key takeaways from the article included the Pope’s emphasis on the importance of prayer, his recognition of the global crisis, and his call for solidarity among nations.
The significance of this event cannot be overstated. It served as a powerful reminder of the need for collective action and spiritual guidance during times of crisis. The Pope’s prayer in an empty St. Peter’s Square was a poignant symbol of hope and resilience, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. As the world continues to navigate the complexities of the pandemic, the Pope’s message of unity and compassion will remain a beacon of inspiration, urging us to come together and support one another.
As we move forward, it is crucial that we heed the Pope’s call to prayer and solidarity. The pandemic has exposed the fragilities of our global systems and highlighted the need for a more collaborative and compassionate approach to addressing the world’s challenges. As we rebuild and recover, let us remember the power of prayer and the importance of unity in the face of adversity. As the Pope so eloquently put it, “May the Lord, who has begun this good work in us, bring it to completion.”
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