News - 31 Marzo 2020 Coronavirus, Pope Francis: “We Thought We’d Stay Healthy in a World that Was Sick” On the evening of Friday, March 27th, Pope Francis officiated a solitary moment of prayer on the Sagrato of St. Peter’s Basilica, the platform at the top of the steps at the end of the vast square. The ceremony included readings from the Scriptures, prayers of supplication, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and ended with Pope Francis giving the Urbi et orbi – to the City (of Rome) and the World – Blessing. Pope Francis spoke to the world using all the means of modern communication: Facebook, YouTube, TV, and radio.