Pope prays for end of pandemic: Pontiff calls for return of ‘horizon of hope’ at special service in St Peter’s Basilica at start of ‘marathon’ month of prayer to beat Covid Pope Francis prayed for scientists to find a solution to the coronavirus pandemic at Saturday's special service The Pontiff urged world leaders to use defence funds for research to prevent similar future catastrophes The service marked the start of a 'marathon' month of prayer in May asking for the end of the pandemic