VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis in a special prayer service on Saturday in St. Peter's Basilica invoked the end of the pandemic and a return of what he called “a horizon of hope," including a scenario in which scientists can figure out how to conquer the coronavirus.
Francis led an evening rosary service attended by about 200 rank-and-file faithful, including many children, who sat spaced apart according to COVID-19 protocols.
Speaking softly, Frances lamented how the pandemic has left so many people "anguished, bewildered and weeping for their dear ones who have died, buried sometimes in a way that wounds the soul.” Invoking the intercession of the Virgin Mary with God, Francis prayed that "this hard trial end and that a horizon of hope and