Pope again endorses UN call for global ceasefire

Source: Vatican News

Pope Francis has once again supported appeals for a global ceasefire in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. "The call for a global and immediate ceasefire is commendable, which would allow the peace and security essential to provide the humanitarian assistance so urgently needed," he said, during the Angelus on Sunday.

Last Wednesday, 1 July, members of the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution demanding "a general and immediate cessation of hostilities in all situations on its agenda." The resolution calls on parties to armed conflicts to immediately in a "durable humanitarian phase" provide aid to countries to help fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the resolution, the Council also voiced support for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who first proposed a global ceasefire on 23 March. That appeal has been echoed by world leaders, including Pope Francis, who, at the Angelus on 29 March invited 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."

In response to the Security Council's resolution, Pope Francis said: "The call for a global and immediate ceasefire, which would allow the peace and security essential for providing the humanitarian assistance so urgently needed, is commendable."

He said he hoped that "this decision will be implemented effectively and promptly for the sake of the many people who are suffering" throughout the world.

Pope Francis prayed that the Security Council resolution might "become a courageous first step towards a peaceful future."