Vatican City, Nov 20, 2020 / 12:00 pm
Pope Francis has called on leaders in Latin America to not politicize the coronavirus pandemic, urging them to seek the common good over personal interest.
In a video message sent to participants in a virtual seminar Nov. 19-20 on the Catholic response to the coronavirus crisis in Latin America, the pope that it was essential that those in leadership "learn the art of encounter" and find solutions that alleviate the suffering caused by the pandemic.
"The depth of the crisis demands proportionally that the ruling political class rise to the height where they can look up and lead and guide the legitimate differences in search of viable solutions for our peoples," the pope said.
It was time for those who were empowered by their people to govern to do so in "service of the common good and not have the common good placed at the service of their interests," Pope Francis said.