Pope dreams of post-virus world where inequalities abolished

Pope Francis is urging the faithful to use the coronavirus pandemic's time of trial to prepare for a future where inequalities are abolished and the poorest are no longer left behind.

This is not some ideology, Francis said. It is Christianity. Francis traveled a few blocks outside the Vatican walls on Sunday to celebrate Mass at a nearby church to mark a special feast day dedicated to mercy. Only a few priests were in the pews given Italy's strict virus lockdown.

While people infected with the coronavirus often experience mild or moderate symptoms, possible complications like pneumonia can put their lives at risk.

In his homily, Francis said the grave, global toll of the pandemic has reminded the world that there are no borders between those who suffer, no differences in nationalities among those who are struck or spared.

We are all frail, all equal, all precious, he said.

May we be profoundly shaken by what is happening all around us," he said from the altar of the Santo Spirito church. The time has come to eliminate inequalities, to heal the injustice that is undermining the health of the entire human family!