In the early months of 2020, Pope Francis frequently reflected on the coronavirus pandemic as it took hold of the human family. Collected here are eight significant spoken and written texts dated from 27 March to 22 April. To whom did he speak, and how? What did he say, and why?

Beyond their specific occasions, these eight texts could be read together as a single development of his thought and as a rich message to humanity. This collection has two objectives. The first is to suggest direction, keys, and guidelines for rebuilding a better world that might be born from this crisis of humanity. The second objective is, in the midst of so much suffering and bewilderment, to sow hope.