Pope Francis says he prays for all the countries struggling with COVID-19 cases, the United States and European nations among them.
He has also expressed his closeness and affection to these nations, "several with great numbers of the infected and the deceased.
"Italy, the United States, Spain, France, the list is long,´´ said Francis before giving a blessing to mark what is celebrated in many places Monday as "Little Easter."
At an early morning Mass in the Vatican hotel where he lodges, Francis prayed for "rulers, scientists, politicians, who have begun to study the way out, the post-pandemic, this `after´ that has already begun." He urged them to "find the right path, always in favor of the people."
Pope Francis said on Monday society had to stand behind women victims of domestic violence, as abuse increased around the world during coronavirus lockdowns.
Francis praised women in frontline roles working in hospitals, on police forces, or in stores during the pandemic while juggling care of children, elders or disabled relatives at home. He noted during weeks of stay-at-home orders, women are at risk of suffering domestic violence.
"Let us pray for them, so the Lord grants them strength and that our communities support them along with their families," he said.
Domestic violence has risen as many countries imposed tougher restrictions on people leaving their homes to halt the spread of the coronavirus.
Domestic violence programs across the United States have cited increases in calls for help. The YWCA of Northern New Jersey said domestic violence calls have risen by up to 24%.
In Spain, calls to a helpline for victims of violence increased by 12.4% in the first two weeks of the lockdown compared to the same fortnight last year. Online consultations of the helpline's website grew by 270%, the Equality Ministry said.
Gun control advocates in the United States, where gun stores have been allowed to remain open, have said they feared increased ownership of firearms during the pandemic could lead to more domestic violence.
In Italy, support groups said they were concerned that a sharp fall in official reports of domestic violence was a signal that women risked being even more exposed to control and aggression by a partner because victims have more difficulty communicating during a lockdown.
Because of restrictions against gatherings, all of Francis' Holy Week services that culminated on Easter Sunday were held without public participation in either St. Peter's Basilica or St. Peter's Square.
