Inspirational messages from spiritual leaders in troubled times

Pope Francis addressed the COVID-19 crisis in an interview (by telephone). His central message was a hope that the crisis will bind humanity together. We can emerge from the crisis only by working together, he said, "the keywords to start again will be roots, memory, brotherhood, and hope.” During the crisis, he called for penitence, compassion, hope, and humility. "This is a dark time for everyone, no one excluded," marked by pain and shadows that have entered the house. He urged no distinction between believers and non-believers, and above all lamented the loneliness and sorrow of those who suffer and die without direct human companionship.