Pope Francis on Thursday releases a video message accompanying his prayer intention for April, which this month is that "those suffering from addiction may be properly helped and accompanied."

In his prayer intention for the month of April 2020, Pope Francis asks everyone to pray for those who suffer from addiction, especially addiction to gambling, pornography, and the internet.

It has become the custom of Pope Francis to release a video message detailing his prayer intention for each month.

The full text of his intention is below:

Surely, you’ve heard about the drama of addiction.

And… have you also thought about the addiction to gambling, to pornography, to the internet… and the dangers of virtual space?.

Supported by the “Gospel of Mercy” we can alleviate, care for and heal the suffering associated with new kinds of addiction.

We pray that those suffering from addiction may be properly helped and accompanied.

The Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network of the Apostleship of Prayer developed "The Pope Video" initiative to assist in the worldwide dissemination of monthly intentions of the Holy Father in relation to the challenges facing humanity.