Christ the Redeemer lit up with flags of countries affected by coronavirus pandemic

Christ the Redeemer lit up in flags of countries where coroanvirus cases have been reported.

The Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil has been lit up with the flags of countries affected by the coroanvirus pandemic. 

Various flags were projected onto the statue in Rio de Janeiro in an act of solidarity as countries around the world grapple with the outbreak. 

Also projected onto the statue were messages of hope and the hashtag #praytogether in various languages.

Brazil has been the hardest hit country in Latin America, with 621 confirmed cases as of Thursday. 

But in other parts of the world, cases have soared into the tens of thousands, with Europe becoming the new epicentre of the virus just as life was starting to return to normal in China. 

On Friday, the death toll in Italy - Europe's worst affected country - rose to 3,400, surpassing that of China, while the number of deaths in Spain surged to 1,000. 

Worldwide, there were over 246,000 confirmed cases and 10,000 deaths as of Friday. 

Christ the Redeemer, which stands at 125ft tall and normally attracts around two million visitors a year, was closed on Tuesday due to the coronavirus outbreak. 

The light show coincided with a mass at the landmark led by Archbishop Orani João Tempesta, who used the occasion to call on the faithful to pray for the sick.  

News
Young people more grateful to God, study finds
Young people more grateful to God, study finds

A new survey has suggested that 18 to 34 year olds are more likely to believe in God and have transcendental experiences.

Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians
Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians

How can thousands of slain Christians not be persecution?

Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims
Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims

Turkey has been relatively successful in preventing attacks since 2017.

The pope that is remembered each year on December 31
The pope that is remembered each year on December 31

In many European countries, December 31, also known as New Year’s Eve, is better known as St Sylvester’s Day or simply Sylvester, named after a pope from the time of the Council of Nicaea. This is the story …