Winner of a third-place award in Pope Francis books from the Catholic Media Association.

“Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?”—Mark 4:40

As he calmed the storm at sea, Jesus reproached the apostles for their lack of faith. On March 27, 2020, Pope Francis used the Gospel passage as a sign of God’s forgiveness and healing during the Extraordinary Urbi et Orbi Blessing from an empty St. Peter’s Square. Even more than a year later, the Holy Father’s words offer hope to a world that continues to fight its way back from the COVID-19 darkness.

Christ in the Storm is the first book on the Pope’s powerful and hopeful message during what we now know was just the beginning of the worldwide pandemic. This beautifully designed hardcover book gathers color photos, readings, the pope’s homily and blessing, and also provides explanation of the symbolism and history throughout the event to create a powerful reminder that Jesus is always with us and that God’s love never fails. It is not only a stunning keepsake of the Holy Father’s important blessing, but more importantly a prayer resource you will return to again and again.

An Urbi et Orbi Blessing (Urbi et Orbi means “to the city and to the world”) is usually reserved for Christmas and Easter, but Pope Francis used his powerful and moving message to unite the world in prayer in the wake of the coronavirus. History will remember the dramatic images of the Holy Father walking alone in St. Peter’s Square at twilight in the rain and his profound words of hope.

The Pope said,

In addition to reading about the historical background of the event, you also will learn the significance of elements of the unique and deeply moving service, including

• the icon of Mary, Health of the Roman People
• the Miraculous Crucifix
• plenary indulgence
• prayers such as the Litany of Supplication
• Eucharistic Adoration
• Chants such as the Tantum Ergo