EARTH FUTURE ACTION
Angelus: Pope appeals for global ceasefire amid Covid pandemic (Vatican News, 3-29-20)
On March 23rd, 2020, UN Secretary General António Guterres’appealed for a global ceasefire amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 70 member nations agreed, and shortly after, Pope Francis added his voice to the call.
In words following the recitation of the Marian Prayer on Sunday (3-29-20), Pope Francis highlighted the UN Secretary General's call for global ceasefire.
From the Library of the Apostolic Palace, the Pope said he joined all those who had made this call and he invited everyone "to follow it up by ceasing all forms of hostilities, encouraging the creation of corridors for humanitarian aid, openness to diplomacy, and attention to those who find themselves in situations of vulnerability.”
He also said the following:
“May our joint fight against the pandemic bring everyone to recognize the great need to reinforce brotherly and sisterly bonds as members of one human family.”
"In particular, may it inspire a renewed commitment to overcome rivalries among leaders of nations and those parties involved. Conflicts are not resolved through war.”
"Antagonism and differences," Pope Francis underlined, “must be overcome through dialogue and a constructive search for peace.”
Pope Francis also mentioned those in prison. "I would like to mention people in prisons. I have read an official memo from the Human Rights Commission which talks about the problem of overcrowded prisons which could become a tragedy. I call on the authorities to be sensitive to this serious problem and to take the necessary measures to prevent future tragedies."