Empty Cathedral, Lonely Easter... Pope Appeals for Global Solidarity

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] On Easter Sunday, the 12th (local time), Pope Francis appealed for solidarity and mutual support among nations as the world faces a crisis due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On this day, after the Easter Mass held at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the Pope delivered the 'Urbi et Orbi' (Latin for 'to the city of Rome and to the whole world') blessing message, emphasizing, "Now is the time when the whole world must unite against the painful pandemic; there is no place for indifference," and added, "Indifference, self-centered thinking, division, and negligence are not the words we want to hear now. We must discard these words forever."

He then urged governments and politicians of all countries to abandon self-centered thoughts and to cooperate mutually so that all humanity can overcome this crisis together and return to normal life.

The Pope also expressed concern about the European Union (EU), which is presenting differing opinions on measures to respond to the economic crisis caused by COVID-19.

The Pope said, "The EU is currently facing a challenge of our times, and how it overcomes this will determine the future not only of Europe but of the entire world," adding, "Now is not the time to be divided."

Currently, the EU is showing conflict over the so-called corona bonds, joint bonds demanded by the hardest-hit countries by COVID-19 such as Italy and France.

Meanwhile, the Easter Mass on this day was conducted without the attendance of believers and was broadcast live online. The Vatican and Italy have become difficult to find people due to the movement restrictions and closures of restaurants and shops that have been in effect since early last month. Because of this, this Easter is being called 'the loneliest Easter in history.'

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.