In a message to Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Bombay’s Archbishop and President of the Episcopal Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, the Supreme Pontiff also conveyed the assurance of his prayers for God to grant healing and consolation to all those affected by the pandemic.

My thoughts, Francis said, are directed above all to the sick and their families, to those who care for them and, in particular, to those who feel the loss of the loved ones.

I also think about many doctors, nurses, hospital workers, ambulance drivers and those who work tirelessly to respond to the immediate needs from their brothers and sisters.

With deep appreciation I invoke on all of them the gifts of God’s perseverance, strength and peace, the Pope said.

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