CNA: Miraculous Crucifix Moved to St. Peter’s Square for Pope Francis’ ‘Urbi et Orbi’ Blessing

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The miraculous crucifix is removed from the Church of San Marcello al Corso March 25. Courtesy photo.

By Catholic News Agency, March 25, 2020

– The miraculous crucifix at which Pope Francis prayed Sunday for an end to the coronavirus has been taken down from its altar and transported to St. Peter’s Square, so it can be present on Friday during the pontiff’s benediction “Urbi et Orbi.”

The crucifix was removed from the Church of San Marcello al Corso by Vatican personnel Wednesday evening, and is expected to be installed temporarily at St. Peter’s Square on Thursday, according to Vatican journalist Francesco Antonio Grana.

The crucifix was venerated as miraculous by Romans after it was the only religious image to survive unscathed from a fire that completely gutted the church on May 23, 1519.

Less than three years later, Rome was devastated by the “black plague.”

Upon the request of Rome’s Catholics, the crucifix was taken in procession from the convent of the Servants of Mary in Via del Corso to St. Peter’s Square, stopping in each quarter of Rome. ….

Read more here:  http://catholicnewsagency.com/news/miraculous-crucifix-moved-to-st-peters-square-for-pope-francis-urbi-et-orbi-blessing-54055