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(CNN) - Pope Francis expressed that the world needs to be united in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, in a special speech after the Easter mass on Sunday.
"This is not a time for indifference, because everyone is suffering and needs to be united to face the pandemic," said the pope during his speech, known as "Urbi et Orbi."
Saint Peter's Basilica on Easter Sunday 2020. Credit: ANDREAS SOLARO / POOL / AFP via Getty Images
The pontiff also called for an "immediate global ceasefire" and an end to weapons manufacturing.
Francisco asked international leaders to relax sanctions and reduce or forgive the debts of the poorest countries.
Credit: ANDREAS SOLARO / POOL / AFP via Getty Images
In light of the current circumstances, said the pope, "that international sanctions are relaxed, as this makes it difficult for the countries that have been imposed to provide adequate support to their citizens, and that all nations put themselves in position to meet the greatest needs of the moment by reducing, if not forgiveness, the debt that weighs on the balance sheets of the poorest nations. ”
Francisco recalled those who are sick and have died from covid-19, as well as doctors, nurses, and health workers.
A desolate Saint Peter's Square on Easter Sunday 2020 due to the coronavirus. Credit: Antonio Masiello / Getty Images
Images and a live broadcast from the Vatican showed an empty St. Peter's Square.
Pope Francis Holy Week