Pope Francis praises the efforts of the United Nations for a ceasefire worldwide

Photo: Pope Francis greets the faithful from his study window overlooking St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, while leaving at the end of the Angelus prayer, Sunday 5 July 2020.

ROME - Pope Francis praises the efforts of the UN Security Council for ceasefire around the world to help fight the coronavirus pandemic.

In Sunday's comments to the public in St. Peter's Square, Francis accepted the "request for a global and immediate ceasefire, which would allow the peace and security necessary to provide such urgent humanitarian assistance".

The pontiff asked for immediate implementation "for the good of the many suffering people". He also expressed hope that the Security Council resolution would be a "courageous first step towards the future of peace".

The resolution calls on parties to armed conflict to immediately cease fire for at least 90 days to allow for the safe and sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance, including medical evacuations.