The Pope himself will lead a prayer service from the front of St. Peter’s Basilica on March 27 and afterwards would offer a blessing “Urbi et Orbi”—“to the city of Rome and the world”—with the Blessed Sacrament.

“In these days of trial, as humanity trembles at the threat of the [coronavirus] pandemic, I would propose that all Christians join their voices together to heaven,” Francis told atican News Media.

Pope Francis has earlier asked God to stop the coronavirus epidemic and said people should utilise their time in quarantine to reconnect with their families.

In an interview last week with Italian journalist, Paolo Rodari, published in “La Repubblica” newspaper, the Pope said “ "I asked the Lord to stop the epidemic: ‘Lord, stop it with your hand’. That is what I prayed for”.

Defying a nationwide lockdown, the Pope on Mar 15) visited the Roman churches of Saints Mary Major and Marcello on the Via del Corso and had offered prayers.