"In the risen Jesus, life has overcome death," says Pope Francis in the video of Holy Week

On Friday, Pope Francis sent a video message to Catholics around the world, urging them in the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic to hope, solidarity with those who suffer and prayer.

"In the risen Jesus, life has conquered death," Pope Francis said in a video of April 3, speaking of the imminent Holy Week which will begin on Sunday and culminate with Easter.

"We will celebrate Holy Week in a truly unusual way, which manifests and summarizes the message of the Gospel, that of God's boundless love," said the pope.

"And in the silence of our cities, the Easter Gospel will resonate," said Pope Francis. "This Easter faith nourishes our hope."

Christian hope, the pope said, is "the hope of a better time, in which we can be better, finally freed from evil and this pandemic".

“It is a hope: hope does not disappoint, it is not an illusion, it is a hope. Next to the others, with love and patience, we can prepare a better time in these days. "

The pope expressed solidarity with families, "in particular to those who have a loved one who is sick or who have unfortunately suffered mourning because of the coronavirus or other causes".

“These days I often think of people who are alone and for whom it is more difficult to face these moments. Above all, I think of the elderly, who are very dear to me. I can't forget those who are coronavirus sufferers, the people who are in the hospital. "

“I also remember those who are in financial difficulty, and are worried about work and the future, a thought goes also to the prisoners, whose pain is aggravated by the fear of the epidemic, for themselves and their loved ones; I think of homeless people, who don't have a home to protect them. "

"It's a difficult time for everyone," he added.

In that difficulty, the pope praised "the generosity of those who put themselves at risk for the treatment of this pandemic or to guarantee essential services to society".

"So many heroes, every day, every hour!"

“Let's try, if possible, to make the most of this time: we are generous; we help the needy in our neighborhood; we are looking for the loneliest people, perhaps by phone or social network; let us pray to the Lord for those who are tried in Italy and in the world. Even if we are isolated, thought and spirit can go far with the creativity of love. This is what we need today: the creativity of love. "

More than one million people worldwide have contracted coronavirus and at least 60.000 have died. The pandemic has led to a global financial collapse, in which tens of millions have lost their jobs in the past few weeks. While some parts of the world are now believed to be declining the viral spread, many nations have stuck in the midst of the pandemic, or in the hope of repressing it at the start of its spread within their borders.

In Italy, one of the countries most affected by the virus, over 120.000 people contracted it and there were almost 15.000 deaths recorded by the virus.

To conclude his video, the pope urged tenderness and prayer.

“Thanks for letting me enter your homes. Make a gesture of tenderness towards those who suffer, towards children and the elderly, "said Pope Francis. "Tell them that the pope is near and prays, that soon the Lord will free us all from evil."

“And you, pray for me. Have a good dinner. "