Coronavirus Locks Down Much Of Italy

Pope Francis celebrated morning mass all by himself in the chapel of the Vatican hotel where he lives, and has offered up prayers for those infected with coronavirus and those caring for them. The Holy See live-streamed Francis' Mass on Monday, evidence of new measures the Vatican City has taken to contain the spread of the virus in line with restrictions adopted by the Italian government.

With 7,375 people infected, Italy has the most cases outside Asia. At 83, and with part of one lung removed, Francis would be at risk for serious complications if he were to catch the virus. He came down with a cold two weeks ago but appears to have recovered.

Here & Now's Tonya Mosley talks with the BBC's Bethany Bell (@BethanyBellBB).

This BBC interview can be heard in the Here & Now podcast or with the WBUR app.