Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Before concluding this liturgy, I would like to greet all those taking part via the means of social communication. In particular, my thoughts turn to young people all over the world, who are living today’s World Youth Day, celebrated at the diocesan level, in an unprecedented way. The handing over of the Cross from the youth of Panama to those of Lisbon was to have taken place today. This very significant gesture has been postponed to Christ the King Sunday, this coming 22 November. While waiting for that moment, I urge you young people to nurture and witness the hope, generosity and solidarity that we all need at this difficult time.

Tomorrow, [Monday] 6 April, is the United Nations International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. Many sporting events have been suspended during this period. However, the best fruits of sports are emerging: resistance, team spirit, fraternity, giving the best of oneself.... So, let’s launch sports for peace and development once again.

Dear friends, let us journey in faith toward Holy Week when Jesus suffers, dies and rises. The people and families who are unable to participate in the liturgical celebrations are invited to gather together in prayer at home, also aided by the means of technology. Let us spiritually gather around the sick and their families, and all those who care for them with self-denial. Let us pray for the deceased in the light of paschal faith. Everyone is present in our hearts, in our thoughts, in our prayers.

May we learn from Mary, that inner silence, that gaze of the heart, that loving faith, so as to follow Jesus on the way of the cross that leads to the glory of the Resurrection. She walks with us and sustains our hope.