Pope Francis, on Thursday, called priests and healthcare workers responding to the coronavirus pandemic “the saints next door.”
Francis’s comments came during a Holy Thursday mass in St. Peter’s Basilica that is generally attended by thousands of people. As with nearly all other services in the Catholic Church, the mass this year was closed to the public because of the pandemic.
In extemporaneous remarks at the beginning of his homily, Francis praised the priests who “offer their life for the Lord” by putting themselves at risk in giving sacraments to people suffering from the coronavirus. Italy, where the majority of priests have died, has one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in Europe.
“These days, more than 60 in Italy have died, after giving attention to the sick in hospitals,” Francis said. “Also, doctors, nurses. They are the saints next door.”
Francis has frequently praised priests and doctors for their efforts in aiding coronavirus victims. The pope has also asked Christians worldwide several times to join him in prayer as the pandemic spreads.
Most churches have closed down their public Easter services, as many world leaders have continued to warn populations about gathering in large groups.
