Pope Francis asks Christians to pray the Our Father

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Francis is asking every Christian community to unite in praying the Our Father Wednesday, March 25, 7 a.m. ET

“I invite ... the leaders of all Christian communities, together with all Christians of various confessions, to invoke the Most High, Almighty God, while simultaneously reciting the prayer that Jesus Our Lord has taught us,” he said.

March 25 is the Solemnity of the Annunciation commemorating St. Gabriel the Archangel’s visit to the Virgin Mary, announcing she would be mother of Jesus Christ, Son of God.

“On that day on which many Christians recall the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary of the Incarnation of the Word,” Pope Francis prayed, “may the Lord listen to the united prayer of all of his disciples who are preparing themselves to celebrate the victory of the Risen Christ.”

Our Father,

Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name;

Thy Kingdom come,

Thy will be done

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Amen.