The Pope, a Plague, and St Charles Borromeo
Six weeks into Italy’s lockdown, Pope Francis stood there before a large dark wooden crucifix, praying for an end to the pandemic. In 1522, as a violent plague struck Rome, this same crucifix was carried in a penitential procession. When the crucifix was returned, the plague had completely ceased. Fifty years later, another shepherd, also barefoot and with a crucifix in his hand, went on pilgrimage through the streets of his own city, calling for mercy for his flock afflicted by the plague.
