Pope Francis : The risk is that we may then be struck by an even worse virus, that of selfish indifference

Celebrating Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday, Pope Francis said the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic is an opportunity to practice mercy toward the poor and those who are suffering, particularly in the aftermath.

Noting that much of the world is preparing for a “slow and arduous recovery” from the crisis, Francis cautioned that as things move forward, “there is a danger that we will forget those who are left behind.”

“The risk is that we may then be struck by an even worse virus, that of selfish indifference,” he said, saying this attitude is spread “by the thought that life is better if it is better for me, and that everything will be fine if it is fine for me.”

“It begins there and ends up selecting one person over another, discarding the poor, and sacrificing those left behind on the altar of progress,” he said, insisting that the pandemic is a reminder to everyone that “there are no differences or borders between those who suffer. We are all frail, all equal, all precious.”