The event, which is in its sixteenth year, invited children to pray for an end to the Covid-19 pandemic.
During his Sunday Angelus in St Peter’s Square, Pope Francis gave his support to the initiative.
“I encourage this beautiful initiative which involves children throughout the world, who will pray especially for the difficult situation caused by the pandemic.”
“A Million Children Praying the Rosary” began in Venezuela’s capital Caracas in 2005, when a group of children came together to pray the rosary for peace.
ACN became involved in the prayer event three years later and took over its organization in 2018.
This year, children from 80 countries and from all continents will be taking part. They include Ghana, Syria and Papua New Guinea.
Coronavirus and prayer
Speaking about the initiative, the Head of Press and Information at ACN, John Pontifex, stresses the Rosary is especially needed at this difficult time.
It’s a prayer that “those who are suffering either from the illness or the economic illness of it, God will hear their cry for alleviation of the plight, and bring an end to this period of pandemic,” he says.
Pope Francis’ support
Acknowledging Pope Francis’ support for the Rosary initiative, ACN said the Pope was gracious enough to describe it as a “beautiful event, and he urged people, particularly young people, to take part in this initiative, and noting its special charism this year of praying especially for the critical situation caused by the pandemic.”
ENDS
