During the Angelus, the pope drew on the Bible passage of the resurrection of Lazarus to explain that Christ is God's response to death. That's why Pope Francis invited Christians to always choose that which gives live, not that which leads to death.
POPE FRANCIS
For example, the hypocrisy with which the faith is lived out, is death. Destructive criticism toward others is death. Offense and calumny are death. The marginalization of the poor is death. The Lord asks us to remove these stones from our hearts, and life will then flourish again around us.
Just like the secretary general of the United Nations a few days ago, Pope Francis asked warring countries for a global ceasefire because of the coronavirus pandemic.
POPE FRANCIS
I join those who have accepted this appeal, and I invite 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. May the joint commitment against the pandemic allow all of us to recognize the need to strengthen fraternal ties as members of a single family.
The pope remains very attentive to the global emergency caused by the coronavirus. He continues to show concern for all the dying. Once again, he thought about the most vulnerable.
POPE FRANCIS
In this moment, my thoughts go out in a special way to those who suffer the vulnerability of being obligated to live in communities: in residences, barracks. In a special way, I would like to mention people in prisons.
Pope Francis asked authorities to take measures to protect the incarcerated and prison workers, especially in overcrowded facilities, to avoid a major tragedy.
After his message, he chose once more to look out at an empty St. Peter's Square and give a blessing to the whole of humanity.
Ángeles Conde
