The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on our lives and so too the Church. Masses were suspended for months, people were precluded from receiving the sacraments, and during that time, Pope Francis celebrated Mass alone every day. Why Are You Afraid? Have You No Faith? collects some of the words from his daily homilies when the world was in isolation during the spring of 2020, as well as Angelus messages and prayers from the Holy Father.

This book is filled with poignant photos that bring to life Pope Francis’s words of support and encouragement, especially from 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 the book also 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 the papacy of Francis, this book is another avenue by which the Pope shares his uplifting message of wisdom, hope, and love to 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.