Pope Francis has called on all Christians to join together in praying the Our Father on Wednesday, March 25, at noon to implore God to rid the world of the coronavirus pandemic.

“In these days of trial, as humanity trembles at the threat of the [coronavirus] pandemic, I would propose that all Christians join their voices together to heaven,” Pope Francis said on Sunday.

The Holy Father also announced that he would lead a prayer service from the front of St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday, March 27, (1 p.m. EST) and afterwards would offer a “Urbi et Orbi” (“to the city of Rome and the world”) blessing. He said the square would be empty, but he invited people across the world “to participate spiritually” in this prayer which, he explained, would include readings from the Scripture and adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The blessing will be broadcast worldwide on Friday on many media platforms.

“We will listen to the Word of God, we will elevate our prayer, we will adore the Most Blessed Sacrament, with which at the end I will give the Urbi et Orbi Blessing, to which will be annexed the possibility to receive a Plenary Indulgence,” said Pope Francis.