Pope Francis speaks in an empty St. Peter’s Square during a Holy Hour and extraordinary urbi et orbi blessing, March 27, 2020. / Credit: Vatican Media
CNA Staff, Mar 11, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).
Five years ago, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the COVID-19 pandemic. Days later, on March 15, 2020, life as we knew it changed as lockdowns went into effect.
Remembering those early days and the many months that followed brings up painful memories, grief, and anxiety for many, but there were grace-filled moments that punctured the fear and uncertainty.
As the world marks five years since the pandemic began, CNA takes a look back in images at some of the moving moments that showed the grace and mercy of God in action.
Pope Francis gives an extraordianry urbi et orbi blessing in St. Peter’s Square, March 27, 2020. Credit: Vatican MediaA woman prays alone during the COVID-19 lockdowns at Our Lady of Angels Church in Brooklyn, New York. Credit: Jeffrey BrunoBisop Peter Baldacchino of the Diocese of Las Cruces, New Mexico, celebrates Mass in a parking lot during the COVID-19 lockdown on April 9, 2020. Credit: David McNamara/Diocese of Las CrucesFather Don Giuseppe celebrates the Mass in front of portraits and selfies sent by the parishioners on March 17, 2020, in Robbiano, Italy. Credit: Pier Marco Tacca/Getty ImagesA priest uses gloves and a mask to give Communion to the faithful during Mass at the Church of Sant’Eugenio in Rome on May 18, 2020. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNASister Anne Kateri of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal turns to the internet to bring the Gospel to the faithful who were unable to gather for Mass during the COVID-19 pandemic. Credit: Jeffrey BrunoFather Kenard Tuzenue celebrates Mass in the parking lot of St. Mary’s Parish in Barnegat/Manahawkin, New Jersey. Credit: Jeffrey BrunoHealth care staff attend Mass at the Hotel Dieu de France Hospital on May 8, 2020, in the COVID-19 section of the hospital located in the eastern suburbs of Beirut, Labanon. Credit: Hotel Dieu de France Hospital/AFP via Getty ImagesLos Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell looks at candles placed on an altar representing people who lost their lives during the coronavirus pandemic during a nondenominational memorial service in Long Beach, California, on Nov. 14, 2020. Credit: Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty ImagesA Catholic Church in England during the COVID-19 pandemic. Credit: Mazur/cbcew.org.uk
Pope Francis speaks in an empty St. Peter’s Square during a Holy Hour and extraordinary urbi et orbi blessing, March 27, 2020. / Credit: Vatican Media 
