Iran Press/ Europe: Pope Francis did, however, go to the window and wave silently to a mere several hundred people in the huge square, which often draws tens of thousands.
“It’s a bit strange this Angelus prayer today with the pope caged in the library, but I see you and I am close to you,” he said.
Francis appeared to have recovered from a cold that forced him to skip a Lenten retreat with senior Vatican officials near Rome last week.
“I am close in prayer to people who are suffering because of the current coronavirus epidemic as well as to all those who are taking care of them,” he said, speaking while standing in the frescoed room which is used mostly for private audiences.
He encouraged the faithful “to live this difficult moment with the strength of faith, the certainty of hope and the fervor of charity”.
The window was then opened and he waved briefly and silently.
Italy has imposed a virtual lockdown across a swathe of its wealthy north, including the financial capital Milan, in its latest attempt to contain a growing outbreak of coronavirus. The government has also imposed other restrictions throughout the country, such as the closing of museums.
A Vatican source said the Vatican museums, which get six million visitors a year, would be closed as of Monday.
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