Confinement caused by the pandemic brings serious consequences, especially for those in the peripheries of society.
CHARO CASTELLÓ
Organizing Committee, World Meeting of Popular Movements
“Maybe it is in these situations that health care systems aren't delivering. We are finding that people are suffering the coronavirus situation more dramatically. In addition, many businesses have closed in these days of confinement, because employees have stopped going to work.”
Charo Castelló is a member of the organizing committee for World Meetings of Popular Movements. The pope tells these entities it might be time to think about a universal basic wage allowing families to meet essential needs. This would put the person at the center and “concretely achieve the ideal, at once so human and so Christian, of no worker without rights.”
CHARO CASTELLÓ
Organizing Committee, World Meeting of Popular Movements
“We have to guarantee that minimum through a state-organized system. That way, these people and these families, who have absolutely nothing, can really have the bare minimum to live. The pandemic has put us in a situation in which we have to make policies. We have to organize the economy in such a way that the full dignity of the person is at the center.”
In his letter, Pope Francis acknowledges how difficult it is to stay home for those who live in tiny spaces or for the homeless. He also includes those who are deprived of freedom and those in rehabilitation because of addiction.
CHARO CASTELLÓ
Organizing Committee, World Meeting of Popular Movements
“I don't think communities should detach themselves from this situation. We have to collaborate closely with public institutions to really be able to offer spaces to be able to care for these people. Today they are the most vulnerable in this situation of confinement. They are the most exposed due to a lack of nutrition, security, health care and housing. They are the people who find it most difficult to respect confinement rules.”
These are ideals that make one reflect on “life after the pandemic.” because, as Pope Francis says, “while this storm shall pass, its grave consequences are already being felt.”
Daniel Díaz Vizzi
Translation: Claudia Torres
