Pope Francis on Wednesday prayed for students and teachers who “have to find new ways” of learning and teaching as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking to a small audience of clergy and nuns at his morning Mass in his residence, the Pope said: “May the Lord help them along their path and give them courage and success”.

The pontiff has been conducting all of his events within the Vatican walls as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread rapidly around the globe with more than 4.3 million people infected and over 293 000 deaths. The Vatican has confirmed there are 12 cases of COVID-19 among residents or employees of the independent city state.