Why Are You Afraid

Have You No Faith?

The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on our lives, and the same is true for the Church. Masses were suspended for months, people could not receive the sacraments, and during that time Pope Francis celebrated Mass alone every day. Why Are You Afraid? Have You No Faith? collects the inspirational words from the pope’s daily homilies when the world was in isolation during the “long Lent” in the spring of 2020, as well as Angelus messages and prayers he delivered.

This book is filled with poignant photos that bring to life Pope Francis’s words of support and encouragement, especially his extraordinary blessing “Urbi et Orbi” in an empty St Peter’s Square at the Vatican on March 27, 2020. The dozens of photos in this book illustrate the themes often evoked by the Holy Father during the pandemic, including fraternal love, solidarity, the common good, and the virtue of hope.

Commemorating an historically important chapter in both the papacy of Francis and the history of the modern world, this book is another avenue by which the Holy Father shares his uplifting message of wisdom, hope, and love with those who have suffered in pain, loneliness, and fear. Despite the dire challenges we have faced during this pandemic, Pope Francis reminds us that evil does not destroy confidence in God, and it does not break the solidarity of humanity.