Pope Francis
Photo: Getty images Catholics who are suffering from or caring for people with the coronavirus will be granted a plenary indulgence, the Vatican has announced.
Pope Francis revealed at the weekend that he will deliver an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing this Friday (March 27) at 5pm Irish time.
Usually given only immediately after a new Pope’s election and at Christmas and Easter, the indulgence will be granted for those who are confessed and follow on television., internet or radio.
“If, with a spirit detached from any sin, join spiritually through the media in the celebration of Holy Mass, the prayer of the Rosary, the pious practice of the Via Crucis or other forms of devotion, of if at least they pray the Creed, the Our Father and an invocation to the Most Holy Virgin Mary, offering this trial with a spirit of Faith in God and charity to brethren.”
The Church defines an indulgence as remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven.