Pope Francis re-launches the UN appeal: all conflicts should stop in the face of the pandemic
The planetary emergency of the coronavirus pandemic, "which knows no borders", makes more urgent than ever a "global and immediate ceasefire in all corners of the world". This is the appeal launched by Pope Francis in particular to those responsible for the nations and parties involved in conflicts around the world, at the conclusion of the Angelus prayer on Sunday 29 March in the Library of the Vatican Apostolic Palace.
The Bishop of Rome referred to the appeal launched in recent days by the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, inviting 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, Agenzia Fides reported.
May the joint fight against the pandemic” the Pope hoped “bring everyone to recognize the great need to reinforce brotherly and sisterly bonds as members of one human family”, and to take note that “conflicts are not resolved through war”, and “antagonism and differences must be overcome through dialogue and a constructive search for peace”, Agenzia Fides quoted the appeal.
According to Father Qaisar Feroz OFM cap, Executive Secretary of the Communications Office of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, Pope Francis’ support for the United Nations’ call for a global ceasefire represents the most suitable “compassionate response” to the present moment, and the war against Coronavirus should also erase “all political wars; cold wars, biological wars, economic wars.
This is a time to save humanity, and I hope that also in Pakistan all opposition parties, including all Islamic groups, respect and support the United Nations’ call for a global ceasefire by following the necessary measures taken by the Pakistani government, taking into account that over 25% of the population lives below poverty”.
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