Pope Francis live streams Mass after Vatican closes amid coronavirus

Pope Francis celebrated Mass at Casa Santa Marta via live stream on Monday morning to “demonstrate his nearness to those affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus,” according to Vatican News.

The Director of the Holy See Press Office stated that Pope Francis decided his 7 am morning Mass should be accessible to everyone.

“In these days, I will offer Mass for those who are sick from the coronavirus epidemic, for the doctors, nurses, volunteers who are helping them, for their families, for the elderly in nursing homes, for prisoners,” Pope Francis explained.

The Pope then encouraged everyone to pray together.

Video recordings of Mass are typically available for use by broadcasters, but not live streamed.

The Vatican has taken its own precautionary measures to combat the further spread of coronavirus by closing the Vatical Museums.

“Having taken note of the Decree of the President of the Council of the Italian Republic of 8 March 2020 art. 2 letter d), we inform you that, as a precautionary measure, starting today, the Vatican Museums will remain closed to the public,” the official Vatican Museum website explains.