In his Easter message, which was broadcast live on the Internet and on television, the Pope wishes strength and hope to all doctors and nurses who took care of the sick “to the point of exhaustion and not infrequently to the victim of their own health”. Francis also expressed hope for consolation and help for particularly vulnerable people in the Corona pandemic, especially nursing home staff, prisoners and prison staff.
Debt relief for poor countries
The Pope called for debt relief in his message. Poor countries are barely equipped to fight the coronavirus pandemic, said Francis.
“All countries should be enabled to take the most necessary measures by partially or even entirely canceling the debts affecting the poorest countries’ balance sheets,” Pope Francis said in his 2020 Easter message
International sanctions should now also be eased, the Pope continued. The current times allowed “no selfishness”
Lonely Easter in the midst of grief and misery
Francis proclaimed his Easter message in front of the Confessio Altar, under which, according to tradition, the tomb of the Apostle Peter is located. He admitted that many believers celebrated a “lonely Easter this year, in the midst of grief and suffering, from physical suffering to financial difficulties”. Many people were concerned about an uncertain future and their jobs in the face of the Corona crisis. The head of the church appealed to those responsible for politics to enable all people to live a decent life and to help them return to everyday life if the circumstances permitted it.
Epochal challenge
Refugees and homeless people should not lack vital support, said Francis. He called for international sanctions to be eased and debt relief for the poorest countries. With regard to the dispute in the EU over Eurobonds, Francis warned of selfishness. The European Union is facing an “epochal challenge on which not only its future but that of the whole world depends”. To master these, “new ways” are also required so that the peaceful coexistence of future generations is not put to the test.
–
