Pope Frances extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing to be broadcast at 5.00pm RTE News Now

Tomorrow Friday, 27 March, 5.00pm Irish time, the Holy Father Pope Francis will preside over an extraordinary global celebration (Statio orbis) of prayer. It will take place on the sagrato of Saint Peter's Basilica, Rome, the platform at the top of the steps immediately in from of the façade of the church. 

The Blessing will be broadcast live by RTÉ News Now.

Archbishop Eamon Martin welcomes Friday's extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing by Pope Francis 

During this prayer ceremony the Pope will grant to participants all over the world a plenary indulgence in the context of the Coronavirus.

Archbishop Eamon Martin said, "In the midst of this horrendous COVID19 pandemic, I thank the Holy Father for his compassion, hope and solidarity by leading us in prayer with an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing on Friday. This blessing will be a very significant celebration of the mercy of God towards humanity, especially in these current and trying circumstances. Pope Francis is encouraging us all to pray incessantly, and the plenary indulgence will be available to those sick with the Coronavirus, their families, healthcare workers and for all working at the front line exposing themselves to the risk of contagion by following the example of the Good Samaritan."

"Pope Francis' blessing will be an opportunity to avail ourselves of Divine Grace. I encourage everyone to watch this special broadcast" 

– Archbishop Eamon

Archbishop Eamon continued, "I gratefully acknowledge our national public service broadcaster, RTÉ, for facilitating the live broadcast of Pope Francis' extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing at 5.00pm tomorrow on its News Now channel (6.00pm Rome time). Urbi et Orbi is very a significant blessing which normally is only given by Pope Francis on Christmas and Easter. The wide dissemination of his important message and blessing will be welcomed by the many, many people throughout Ireland as an opportunity to avail ourselves of Divine Grace. I encourage everyone to watch this special broadcast." 

A live online feed from the Vatican Media service is available here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VJHI8bI0LWg