Former Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle advised the Filipino catholic community to adhere to physical distancing without eliminating “community caring” especially in the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
In a STAR report, citing his homily for the prayers on healing of the world at the Pontificio Colegio Filipino in Rome, the cardinal asked the faithful to keep and maintain their bonds with their neighbors.
“We need physical distancing and that is needed and we’re appealing to everyone to observe it where possible. Physical distancing should not lead to forgetfulness of neighbor,” he said.
Tagle added physical distancing might lead to social distancing with people being distant from their neighbors.
“Physical distancing is for the common good, physical distancing should not eliminate community caring and that is what is needed today. This is a pandemic. This crisis, meaning pan, all demos, and people: it affects all people,” he said.
Tagle was recently appointed as the Prefect of Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples in Vatican City. He led the healing prayers of the world in the Vatican on March 25.
In a press briefing on Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) clarified that it should be “physical distancing” instead of “social distancing” so that people would remain connected even during a crisis.
