Fra’ Giacomo led the 1,000-year-old sovereign order following an institutional crisis that caused deep internal fractures and a confrontation with the Holy See.

The pope again expressed his deep, personal concern for the homeless and other poor people and reaffirmed his spiritual “closeness” to them.

Pope Francis expressed his closeness and support to France, where Covid-19 has claimed more than 20,000 lives.

Pope Francis warned against “the risk” of “being struck by an even worse virus” than Covid-19, namely “selfish indifference.”

Pope Francis says our experience today mirrors in many ways that of the disciples of Jesus after his death and burial in the tomb. Like them, “we live surrounded by an atmosphere of pain and uncertainty,” and we ask, “Who will roll away the stone [from the tomb?]”

In this exclusive interview with America, Father Zampini said, “The future starts today, and we should be conscious that the decisions that are being taken by governments and world leaders in these months will shape the future of our world.”

The country’s economy was already in serious difficulty before the pandemic hit. Now, Italy could enter its fourth recession in a decade.

On Easter Monday, Pope Francis offered solidarity and prayers to the people of the United States and other countries hard hit by Covid-19.

In his Easter "Urbi et Orbi" address, Pope Francis appealed for a global ceasefire, as well as for the relaxing of sanctions and the reduction or forgiveness of the debt of poor countries. He urged an all-out effort to care for those who lack the basic necessities of life, including refugees and migrants.

At the Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday evening, Pope Francis delivered an inspiring homily in which he likened the experience of the women in Jerusalem to that of people around the world today as they endure the Covid-19 epidemic.