Religious leaders should fight COVID-19, work towards peace: UN Chief
But Guterres said the coronavirus pandemic, with its lockdowns and social distancing, has led to a “surreal world” of silent streets, shuttered stores, empty places of worship and of worry “about our loved ones who are equally worried about us.”
In trying to celebrate at this time, the secretary-general urged people to remember “the most vulnerable of the vulnerable around the world” in war zones, refugee camps, slums and other places “least equipped to fight the virus.”
Guterres also said special thoughts should be given to “heroic health workers on the front lines battling this awful virus — and for all those working to keep our cities and towns going.”
Coronavirus around the world: April 10, 2020
He urged people to “draw strength” from communities of diverse faiths and ethnic traditions uniting “to care for one another.”
“Together, we can and will defeat this virus — with co-operation, solidarity, and faith in our common humanity,” Guterres said.
© 2020 The Canadian Press
