The Archbishop of Zagreb, Cardinal Josip Bozanic, on Sunday celebrated Mass on All Saints' Day at Zagreb's Mirogoj Cemetery, calling for praying to God to deliver the world from the coronavirus pandemic.

In his sermon, the cardinal said the pandemic had shaken many human certainties and that one should not be overly dramatic about the situation nor irresponsibly downplay it.

“This is a time of responsibility which calls for mobilising human solidarity  in all areas and care for those who are in trouble, in need or tested in various ways.”

That is why today we are praying for those who are sick, for all who are forced to isolate, and notably for the medical staff who bear the brunt of various demands and often changing decisions, the cardinal said.

He said All Saints’ Day was a celebration of unity and closeness.

“Contrary to that, the COVID-19 pandemic brings fear among people, measures of distancing and isolation.”

“Let’s do our best to strengthen family unity as well as the awareness of the unquestionable mission of that fundamental union in human society,” Bozanic said.

“Let’s also pray for scientists who are looking for a cure for this new plague,” he added among other things.