France reports a record for the second consecutive day of 208,099 new cases of COVID-19, which is also the highest daily total recorded in any European nation since the beginning of the pandemic. 2021-12-29
Malian opposition leader Soumaila Cissé dies from COVID-19 in France two months after he was released by jihadist militants in a prisoner swap. 2020-12-25
Patriarch Filaret, former honorary Patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, founder and current Patriarch of once again the second non-canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kiev Patriarchate, was confirmed to be a positive case of COVID-19. He becomes the first independent and non-canonical autocephalous leader or patriarch in the Eastern Orthodox faith to contract the disease. Months earlier, he had stated that the pandemic was God's punishment for same-sex marriage, which is currently not legally-recognized in Ukraine. Activists say homophobia is still widespread in the national culture. 2020-09-8
France reports 509 more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the country's death toll to 4,032 and 56,989 cases, with 6,017 of those patients reported in a serious condition requiring life support. 2020-04-1
Pope Francis delivers a special Urbi et Orbi blessing in an empty Saint Peter's Square, praying for the end of the coronavirus pandemic and offering a plenary indulgence to repentant sinners before San Marcello al Corso's miraculous crucifix, which was moved from its original church in Rome two days ago. 2020-03-27