I am near you…. This was the comforting message Pope Francis gave to elderly today, Monday of the Angel, April 5, 2021, after praying the midday Regina Caeli from his private library in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace.

The Holy Father streams this Easter Monday address from inside the library as the world continues to battle the ongoing health emergency caused by the COVID19 pandemic, and while Italy, around these Easter holidays, finds itself in lockdown. One can read the full English translation of the Pope’s April 5 Regina Caeli address here.

“Dear brothers and sisters, in the atmosphere of Easter that characterizes this day,” the Pope said, “I affectionately greet all of you who participate in this moment of prayer through the means of social communication.”

Saying he is thinking in particular “of the elderly, those who are ill, connected from their own homes or rest homes,” Francis underscored: “To them, I send a word of encouragement and recognition of their witness.”

“I am near them,” Pope Francis stressed.

Take Every Opportunity to Witness Christ’s Joy

The Holy Father then offered greetings to everyone, expressing: “I hope you can live with faith these days of the Octave of Easter in which the memory of Christ’s Resurrection is prolonged.”

“Take every opportune occasion to witness to the joy and peace of the Risen Lord,” he encouraged.

The Holy Father concluded wishing a “happy, serene and holy Easter to everyone,” asking them to pray for him and to enjoy their lunch.

“Arrivederci!” he said.