Currents News Staff
According to Johns Hopkins University, the number of global coronavirus deaths already exceeds 600,000 people. Thus, Pope Francis insisted on the proposal for a global ceasefire by the United Nations to help care for the sick and prevent the spread of the virus.
“I renew the call for an immediate and global ceasefire that will allow the peace and security that is essential for the necessary humanitarian assistance to be given,” Pope Francis said.
The pontiff is also concerned about a conflict that has been reactivated these days in the Caucasus Mountains. Armenia and Azerbaijan have resumed armed conflict for control of the Nagorno Karabakh region and have caused more than a dozen deaths.
“I hope that, with the effort of the international community and through dialogue and the good will of the parties, a lasting peaceful solution can be reached,” Pope Francis said.
In Italy, although there is greater freedom of movement, crowding is still prohibited to avoid contagions. That means the Vatican is far more emptier than usual, with fewer pilgrims this summer in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Francis addressed his concerns after the daily Angelus prayer in Rome.
“Dear brothers and sisters, in this time, when the pandemic does not seem to be stopping, I want to assure my closeness to all those facing the disease and its economic and social consequences,” he said.