Pope Francis has sent a video message of encouragement to seafarers recognised the difficulties they face as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He expresses gratitude for their help in feeding humanity despite the risks involved and prays for those who work at sea and for stranded seafarers who have been unable to go ashore or those unable to go to work.
“Know that you are not alone and that you are not forgotten,” Pope Francis says. “Your work at sea often keeps you apart from others, but you are close to me in my thoughts and prayers, and in those of your chaplains and the volunteers of Stella Maris.”