VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis gave an extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) at 6 p.m. Rome time March 27. (See the landing page for the story "During extraordinary blessing pope says COVID-19 is not GOd's judgement, but a call to live differently.")
The formal blessing – usually given only immediately after a new pope’s election and on Christmas and Easter – carries with it a plenary indulgence for all who follow by television, Internet or radio, are sorry for their sins, recite a few prescribed prayers and promise to go to confession and to receive the Eucharist as soon as possible.
The English translation of the Litany of Supplication used during the prayer service follows. It also may be found on the Vatican News website, https://www.vaticannews.va/.
We adore you, O Lord
True God and true man, truly present in this holy Sacrament.
R) We adore you, O Lord
Our Savior, God with us, faithful and rich in mercy R)
King and Lord of creation and of history R)
Conqueror of sin and death R)
Friend of humankind, the Risen One, the Living One who sits at the right hand of the Father. R)
We believe in you, O Lord
Only begotten Son of the Father, descended from heaven for our salvation
R) We believe in you, O Lord
Heavenly physician, who bows down over our misery R)
Lamb who was slain, who offer yourself to rescue us from evil R)
Good Shepherd, who give your life for the flock which you love R)
Living bread and medicine for immortality, who give us eternal life R)
Deliver us, O Lord
From the power of Satan and the seductions of the world
R) Deliver us, O Lord
From the pride and presumption of being able to do anything without you R)
From the deceptions of fear and anxiety R)
From unbelief and desperation R)
From hardness of heart and the incapacity to love R)
Save us, O Lord
From every evil that afflicts humanity
R) Save us, O Lord
From hunger, from famine and from egoism R)
From illnesses, epidemics and the fear of our brothers and sisters R)
From devastating madness, from ruthless interests and from violence R)
From being deceived, from false information and the manipulation of consciences
R)
Comfort us, O Lord
Protect your Church which crosses the desert
R) Comfort us, O Lord
Protect humanity terrified by fear and anguish
R) Comfort us, O Lord
Protect the sick and the dying, oppressed by loneliness R)
Protect doctors and healthcare providers exhausted by the difficulties they are facing R)
Protect politicians and decision makers who bear the weight of having to make decisions R)
Grant us your Spirit, O Lord
In the hour of trial and from confusion
R) Grant us your Spirit, O Lord
In temptation and in our fragility R)
In the battle against evil and sin R)
In the search for what is truly good and true joy R)
In the decision to remain in you and in your friendship R)
Open us to hope, O Lord
Should sin oppress us
R) Open us to hope, O Lord
Should hatred close our hearts R)
Should sorrow visit us R)
Should indifference cause us anguish R)
Should death overwhelm us R)
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