In the first special coronavirus update episode of “Inside the Vatican,” veteran Vatican reporter Gerard O’Connell and producer Colleen Dulle discuss Pope Francis’ unprecedented “urbi et orbi” blessing given Friday, March 27.

Colleen spoke with Gerry just after Pope Francis blessed “the city and the world.” Pope Francis spoke about how the world currently feels the way Jesus’ disciples felt when a storm threatened to flood their boat but Jesus stayed asleep. “We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other,” the pope said.

Earlier in the show, Colleen gives an update on the known coronavirus cases in Vatican City, including one priest who lives in the same Vatican guesthouse as Pope Francis.

Follow our new Twitter account: @InsdeVaticanPod

Links from the show:

• Facing the Covid-19 storm, put your faith in the Lord, Pope Francis tells Rome and the world
• Read: Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi address on coronavirus and Jesus calming the storm
• Watch Pope Francis’ prayer service for the end of coronavirus
• Italian priest at guesthouse where Pope Francis lives tests positive for coronavirus

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices