Pope Francis: Continue efforts to combat malaria

By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis on Sunday said that, even in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, “we must continue the effort to prevent and cure malaria, which threatens millions of persons in many countries”.

The United Nations observes World Malaria Day each year on April 25.

Following the Regina Coeli, the Holy Father said he is close “to all who are sick”, and to their caregivers, and to those working to ensure that “every person might have access to basic health care”.

National Scripture Reading Day in Poland

The Pope also offered special greetings to the people of Poland who are participating in National Scripture Reading Day.

Pope Francis regularly encourages the reading of the Bible, and once again stressed the importance of having the habit of reading the Gospel, "a few minutes every day". He also once again suggested that the faithful carry a copy of the Gospels wherever they go, so that the Word of God might always be near us, "even physically".

An invitation to pray the Rosary

Finally, Pope Francis spoke again about the month of May, which is “dedicated in a particular way to the Virgin Mary”. He called attention to his Letter, published on Saturday, in which he invited the faithful to pray the Holy Rosary in their homes throughout May, adding to the chaplet one of the two new prayers attached to the Letter.

He prayed, “May our Mother help us to face with more faith and hope this time of trial that we are living”.