Coronavirus outbreak: Pope Francis holds dramatic Urbi et Orbi service in empty St. Peters Square

Pope Francis said the coronavirus had put everyone in the same boat as he held a dramatic, solitary prayer service in St. Peter s Square on Friday, urging the world to see the crisis as a test of solidarity and a reminder of basic values. Thick darkness has gathered over our squares, our streets and our cities, he said, speaking from the steps of St. Peter s Basilica into an eerily empty and rainy square before delivering an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world) blessing something