Pope Francis on Sunday backed a call by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for a global ceasefire so the world can focus on fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking at his weekly blessing, delivered from the papal library instead of St. Peter's Square because of the lockdown in Italy, Francis specifically mentioned the appeal Guterres made in a virtual news conference on Monday.
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."
related content: UN Secretary-General calls for Global Cease Fire
Unity and Solidarity
"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", the Pope said.
"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."
source: commonspace.eu with Vatican Media
photo: The Pope looking out over an empty St Peter's Square on 29 March 2020
