Pope Francis has offered prayers for those who lost their jobs and those who were unable to work because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“In these days many people have lost their jobs,” said the pope before celebrating morning Mass at the Casa Santa Marta on May 11.
The pontiff noted around the world many have not been re-employed, or are working “under the table.”
“We pray for these brothers and sisters of ours who are suffering because of lack of work,” said Pope Francis.
The pope’s comments came as the United States announced that it lost 20.5 million jobs in April and the unemployment rate soared to 14.7 percent.
Experts noted that the pandemic exacted an economic toll unseen since the Great Depression of the 1930s and pushing millions into unemployment.
In his homily during the Mass, Pope Francis commented on Jesus’ “Farewell Discourse” after the Last Supper when reassured His disciples and tells them they will never be left alone.
“The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you,” the pontiff quoted the Gospel.
He said the Holy Spirit “is called the Paraclete — or the Advocate — because He sustains us, He accompanies us so we do not fall.”
He explained that “the Lord has promised us this support, who is God.”
Pope Francis said the Spirit teaches the faithful to enter into the mystery of faith and helps everyone to understand the mystery, the doctrine of Jesus and to develop faith without making mistakes.
He said doctrine is not static, adding the “it grows as trees grow, always the same, but bigger, with fruit, but always the same, in the same direction.”
At the end of the Mass, the pontiff invited those viewing via livestream to make a spiritual communion.
