Fra’ Giacomo led the 1,000-year-old sovereign order following an institutional crisis that caused deep internal fractures and a confrontation with the Holy See.

The pope again expressed his deep, personal concern for the homeless and other poor people and reaffirmed his spiritual “closeness” to them.

Pope Francis expressed his closeness and support to France, where Covid-19 has claimed more than 20,000 lives.

Pope Francis warned against “the risk” of “being struck by an even worse virus” than Covid-19, namely “selfish indifference.”

Pope Francis says our experience today mirrors in many ways that of the disciples of Jesus after his death and burial in the tomb. Like them, “we live surrounded by an atmosphere of pain and uncertainty,” and we ask, “Who will roll away the stone [from the tomb?]”

In this exclusive interview with America, Father Zampini said, “The future starts today, and we should be conscious that the decisions that are being taken by governments and world leaders in these months will shape the future of our world.”