lifesitenews--2020-04-03--Climate activist: Govt needs to keep citizens in ‘emergency mode’ to deal with climate change

April 2 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Climate activists are praising the national lockdowns and declarations of national emergencies around the world in response to the coronavirus pandemic as a model for response to “ climate change.
” “ We ’ ve been trying for years to get people out of normal mode and into emergency mode , ” said Margaret Klein Salamon , leader of The Climate Mobilization group .
“ What is possible politically is fundamentally different when lots of people get into emergency mode – when they fundamentally accept that there ’ s danger , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need to do everything we can .
And it ’ s been interesting to see that theory validated by the response to the coronavirus , ” she said .
“ Now the challenge is to keep emergency mode activated about climate , where the dangers are orders of magnitude greater .
We can ’ t think we ’ re going to go ‘ back to normal , ’ because things weren ’ t normal.
” Greta Thunberg , the teenage climate activist who rose to prominence last year , told the Thomson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus is a terrible event “ it also shows one thing : That once we are in a crisis , we can act to do something quickly , act fast.
” Conservative journalist and commentator Matt Walsh posted on Twitter earlier this week that it “ seems likely ” that a future Democratic president “ will declare climate change or gun violence a ‘ national emergency ’ and use that as an excuse to drastically curb civil liberties , citing the coronavirus response as precedent.
” Walsh pointed to a recent tweet by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his case .
Just a few days ago , Obama tweeted : “ We 've seen all too terribly the consequences of those who denied warnings of a pandemic .
We ca n't afford any more consequences of climate denial .
All of us , especially young people , have to demand better of our government at every level and vote this fall.
” And Obama ’ s message is being repeated by mainstream media around the world , with a UK academic even telling CNBC that this is “ a ‘ yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis ” -- a catch phrase frequently deployed by Obama during his years in office .
Gail Whiteman , director of the Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business at the UK ’ s Lancaster University , said that having listened to medical scientists in response to the coronavirus that “ ( n ) ow it is time to listen to climate scientists.
” In the same article , CNBC also featured the view of Johan Rockstrom , director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research , that the coronavirus , which according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths globally since January , is “ nothing compared to the climate crisis.
” Forbes too is telling its readers that “ the climate emergency is , by far , more severe and presents a greater existential threat than the coronavirus pandemic , even with the death toll.
” Meanwhile , an opinion piece in Canada ’ s National Observer asserts that “ the climate emergency is much more dangerous than COVID-19 ” and says the coronavirus pandemic “ serves as case study ” for how to respond to “ the climate emergency.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the only political figure linking the response to the coronavirus with that of “ climate change.
” United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said earlier this month that it was important that the global fight against the coronavirus didn ’ t distract from the need to defeat climate change .
“ Whilst the disease is expected to be temporary , climate change has been a phenomenon for many years , and will remain with us for decades and require constant action , ” he said .
Writing at The Hill , Rupert Darwall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than three decades , climate change has been the catastrophe that ’ s always just over the horizon.
” The coronavirus pandemic , on the other hand “ shows what a genuine crisis looks like.
” “ No one has to catastrophize it , ” Darwall wrote , “ the facts speak for themselves .
Inducing fear and panic is counter-productive.
” But while Darwall makes the common sense point that fear and panic are unhelpful in dealing with the present crisis , climate activists are observing the global concern about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greater levels of concern need to be promoted about “ climate change ” in order to force governments to act .
“ We need to learn to be scared together , to agree on what we ’ re terrified about , ” Margaret Klein Salamon says .
The world has changed more in the past two months than almost anyone would ever have imagined , but as Rupert Darwall observes “ ( o ) ne thing hasn ’ t changed and won ’ t change : Catastrophizing climate change for political ends .
@

Barack Obama also chimed in, saying, 'We can't afford any more consequences of climate denial. All of us have to demand better of our government ... and vote this fall.'
April 2, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Climate activists are praising the national lockdowns and declarations of national emergencies around the world in response to the coronavirus pandemic as a model for response to “climate change.”
“We’ve been trying for years to get people out of normal mode and into emergency mode,” said Margaret Klein Salamon, leader of The Climate Mobilization group.
“What is possible politically is fundamentally different when lots of people get into emergency mode – when they fundamentally accept that there’s danger, and that if we want to be safe we need to do everything we can. And it’s been interesting to see that theory validated by the response to the coronavirus,” she said.
“Now the challenge is to keep emergency mode activated about climate, where the dangers are orders of magnitude greater. We can’t think we’re going to go ‘back to normal,’ because things weren’t normal.”
Greta Thunberg, the teenage climate activist who rose to prominence last year, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation last week that while the coronavirus is a terrible event “it also shows one thing: That once we are in a crisis, we can act to do something quickly, act fast.”
Conservative journalist and commentator Matt Walsh posted on Twitter earlier this week that it “seems likely” that a future Democratic president “will declare climate change or gun violence a ‘national emergency’ and use that as an excuse to drastically curb civil liberties, citing the coronavirus response as precedent.”
Walsh pointed to a recent tweet by former U.S. president Barack Obama to make his case. Just a few days ago, Obama tweeted: “We've seen all too terribly the consequences of those who denied warnings of a pandemic. We can't afford any more consequences of climate denial. All of us, especially young people, have to demand better of our government at every level and vote this fall.”
We've seen all too terribly the consequences of those who denied warnings of a pandemic. We can't afford any more consequences of climate denial. All of us, especially young people, have to demand better of our government at every level and vote this fall. https://t.co/K8Ucu7iVDK — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 31, 2020
And Obama’s message is being repeated by mainstream media around the world, with a UK academic even telling CNBC that this is “a ‘yes we can’ moment for the climate crisis” — a catch phrase frequently deployed by Obama during his years in office.
Gail Whiteman, director of the Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business at the UK’s Lancaster University, said that having listened to medical scientists in response to the coronavirus that “(n)ow it is time to listen to climate scientists.”
In the same article, CNBC also featured the view of Johan Rockstrom, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, that the coronavirus, which according to official figures has caused almost 50,000 deaths globally since January, is “nothing compared to the climate crisis.”
Forbes too is telling its readers that “the climate emergency is, by far, more severe and presents a greater existential threat than the coronavirus pandemic, even with the death toll.”
Meanwhile, an opinion piece in Canada’s National Observer asserts that “the climate emergency is much more dangerous than COVID-19” and says the coronavirus pandemic “serves as case study” for how to respond to “the climate emergency.”
Obama, of course, is not the only political figure linking the response to the coronavirus with that of “climate change.” United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said earlier this month that it was important that the global fight against the coronavirus didn’t distract from the need to defeat climate change.
“Whilst the disease is expected to be temporary, climate change has been a phenomenon for many years, and will remain with us for decades and require constant action,” he said.
Writing at The Hill, Rupert Darwall observed that “(f)or more than three decades, climate change has been the catastrophe that’s always just over the horizon.”
The coronavirus pandemic, on the other hand “shows what a genuine crisis looks like.”
“No one has to catastrophize it,” Darwall wrote, “the facts speak for themselves. Inducing fear and panic is counter-productive.”
But while Darwall makes the common sense point that fear and panic are unhelpful in dealing with the present crisis, climate activists are observing the global concern about the coronavirus and believe that the same or greater levels of concern need to be promoted about “climate change” in order to force governments to act.
“We need to learn to be scared together, to agree on what we’re terrified about,” Margaret Klein Salamon says.
The world has changed more in the past two months than almost anyone would ever have imagined, but as Rupert Darwall observes “(o)ne thing hasn’t changed and won’t change: Catastrophizing climate change for political ends.”
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lifesitenews--2020-04-03--Pro-family group calls on Canadian bishops to fight legislation banning therapy for ex-gays

TORONTO , April 2 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – A major pro-life and pro-family group is calling on Canadian bishops to directly speak out against the dangers of two pieces of legislation from pro-abortion Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that would ban help for people seeking to overcome unwanted sexual conditions .
In a letter sent to every bishop and cardinal in Canada , Campaign Life Coalition ( CLC ) President Jeff Gunnarson asked them directly to fight “ conversion therapy bans , ” stating precisely that they must speak out against Bill C-8 and S-202 .
“ I ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to please share this news with your flock immediately .
Then , begin publicly preaching and teaching against the dangers of C-8 , and instruct all the priests in your diocese to do the same , ” says Gunnarson in the letter .
“ Silence , or turning a blind eye to this imminent threat , is not an option .
Thank you in advance for your critical attention to this .
I stress that your spiritual leadership is needed now more than ever.
” Canadian bishops in the past have spoken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops ( CCCB ) released a statement speaking out against euthanasia legislation in Canada , Bill C-7 .
They have yet to release a public response in regards to banning “ conversion therapy ” via Bills C-8 and S-202 .
Bill S-202 is now before the Senate and would criminalize so-called conversion therapy , which it defines as : Any practice , treatment or service designed to change an individual ’ s sexual orientation or gender identity or to eliminate or reduce sexual attraction or sexual behavior between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greater certainty , this definition does not include a surgical sex change or any related service .
Bill C-8 , now before the House of Commons tabled by Justice Minister David Lametti , is more reaching than Bill S-202 .
It will make it a criminal offence in Canada to : 1 ) cause a minor to undergo conversion therapy , 2 ) remove a minor from Canada to undergo conversion therapy , 3 ) cause a person to undergo conversion therapy against their will , 4 ) profit from conversion therapy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the letter to the bishops , Gunnarson mentions that the Trudeau Liberals claim that the legislation will not bar adults from obtaining “ clinical or religious counseling ” is simply not accurate .
He says the truth is that “ C-8 will make it de facto illegal , including the Catholic Church ’ s official ministry to support adults with same-sex attraction , Courage.
” Courage is an apostolate from the Catholic Church that helps men and women with same-sex attraction receive the love and healing of Christ .
The international organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ will become de facto illegal in Canada because Bill C-8 provides a prison sentence of up to two years if the apostolate offers a website to promote the ministry , ” says Gunnarson in the letter .
Gunnarson explains in his letter that Bill C-8 could accomplish “ this backdoor goal by criminalizing the ‘ advertising ’ of conversion therapy .
If Courage ( and other religious ministries ) is banned from publicly offering its services to adults , in reality , they are being prevented from ministering to parishioners , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s the Liberal government ’ s goal.
” In the letter , Gunnarson says the bills “ ensnare pastoral counseling , clinical psychotherapy , and parental conversations with their own children , ” under the broad definition of “ conversion therapy.
” He also states that “ conversion therapy bans ” are a direct assault against the Catholic Church .
If they are passed into law , Gunnarson says that any efforts by priests or the laity to offer assistance to those seeking help to overcome same-sex attraction or gender identity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison sentence.
” The letter concludes by asking the bishops to watch and promote CLC ’ s recent video series of testimonies of people who have directly benefited from counseling .
The three CLC videos each highlight a person who has been healed from gender dysphoria , confusion or same-sex attraction .
“ I ask you , as Christ ’ s shepherd , to please share this news with your flock immediately .
Then , begin publicly preaching and teaching against the dangers of C-8 , and instruct all the priests in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Gunnarson in the letter .
The first video released by CLC to combat the lies surrounding “ conversion therapy ” featured Canadian Robert John Wenman , who had hormone injections and surgery to live like a woman for 18 years .
In his video , he asks Canada ’ s politicians to not ban counseling that he says saved his life .
The second video highlights the case of KathyGrace Duncan and shows that banning faith-based help could be detrimental in assisting those who want to overcome unwanted same-sex attractions .
Duncan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 11 years before Christ ’ s healing power saved her .
Her video highlights her journey , as well as her plea with Canadian senators to stop legislation that would ban the types of therapy that helped heal her .
The third video in the series showcases a Toronto man , Keith Alexander , who was healed from living a life of homosexuality , drugs , and prostitution for 35 years .
He directly calls on Canadian politicians to vote no to legislation banning “ conversion therapy.
” CLC campaign manager David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bills C-8 and S-202 are direct assaults on the freedoms of Canadians .
A petition by CLC opposing Bill S-202 titled “ Helping LGBT Individuals Change Is Not A Crime !
” currently has nearly 13,000 signatures .

TORONTO, April 2, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – A major pro-life and pro-family group is calling on Canadian bishops to directly speak out against the dangers of two pieces of legislation from pro-abortion Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that would ban help for people seeking to overcome unwanted sexual conditions.
In a letter sent to every bishop and cardinal in Canada, Campaign Life Coalition (CLC) President Jeff Gunnarson asked them directly to fight “conversion therapy bans,” stating precisely that they must speak out against Bill C-8 and S-202.
“I ask you, as Christ’s shepherd, to please share this news with your flock immediately. Then, begin publicly preaching and teaching against the dangers of C-8, and instruct all the priests in your diocese to do the same,” says Gunnarson in the letter.
“Silence, or turning a blind eye to this imminent threat, is not an option. Thank you in advance for your critical attention to this. I stress that your spiritual leadership is needed now more than ever.”
Canadian bishops in the past have spoken out against legislation they deemed problematic. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) released a statement speaking out against euthanasia legislation in Canada, Bill C-7. They have yet to release a public response in regards to banning “conversion therapy” via Bills C-8 and S-202.
Bill S-202 is now before the Senate and would criminalize so-called conversion therapy, which it defines as:
Any practice, treatment or service designed to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity or to eliminate or reduce sexual attraction or sexual behavior between persons of the same sex. For greater certainty, this definition does not include a surgical sex change or any related service.
Bill C-8, now before the House of Commons tabled by Justice Minister David Lametti, is more reaching than Bill S-202. It will make it a criminal offence in Canada to: 1) cause a minor to undergo conversion therapy, 2) remove a minor from Canada to undergo conversion therapy, 3) cause a person to undergo conversion therapy against their will, 4) profit from conversion therapy, and 5) advertise conversion therapy.
In the letter to the bishops, Gunnarson mentions that the Trudeau Liberals claim that the legislation will not bar adults from obtaining “clinical or religious counseling” is simply not accurate. He says the truth is that “C-8 will make it de facto illegal, including the Catholic Church’s official ministry to support adults with same-sex attraction, Courage.”
Courage is an apostolate from the Catholic Church that helps men and women with same-sex attraction receive the love and healing of Christ. The international organization has five chapters in Canada.
Courage “will become de facto illegal in Canada because Bill C-8 provides a prison sentence of up to two years if the apostolate offers a website to promote the ministry,” says Gunnarson in the letter.
Gunnarson explains in his letter that Bill C-8 could accomplish “this backdoor goal by criminalizing the ‘advertising’ of conversion therapy. If Courage (and other religious ministries) is banned from publicly offering its services to adults, in reality, they are being prevented from ministering to parishioners, and will soon be forced to close. That’s the Liberal government’s goal.”
In the letter, Gunnarson says the bills “ensnare pastoral counseling, clinical psychotherapy, and parental conversations with their own children,” under the broad definition of “conversion therapy.”
He also states that “conversion therapy bans” are a direct assault against the Catholic Church. If they are passed into law, Gunnarson says that any efforts by priests or the laity to offer assistance to those seeking help to overcome same-sex attraction or gender identity confusion could result in a “five-year prison sentence.”
The letter concludes by asking the bishops to watch and promote CLC’s recent video series of testimonies of people who have directly benefited from counseling. The three CLC videos each highlight a person who has been healed from gender dysphoria, confusion or same-sex attraction.
“I ask you, as Christ’s shepherd, to please share this news with your flock immediately. Then, begin publicly preaching and teaching against the dangers of C-8, and instruct all the priests in your diocese to do the same,” says Gunnarson in the letter.
The first video released by CLC to combat the lies surrounding “conversion therapy” featured Canadian Robert John Wenman, who had hormone injections and surgery to live like a woman for 18 years. In his video, he asks Canada’s politicians to not ban counseling that he says saved his life.
The second video highlights the case of KathyGrace Duncan and shows that banning faith-based help could be detrimental in assisting those who want to overcome unwanted same-sex attractions.
Duncan lived life as a “man” for 11 years before Christ’s healing power saved her. Her video highlights her journey, as well as her plea with Canadian senators to stop legislation that would ban the types of therapy that helped heal her.
The third video in the series showcases a Toronto man, Keith Alexander, who was healed from living a life of homosexuality, drugs, and prostitution for 35 years. He directly calls on Canadian politicians to vote no to legislation banning “conversion therapy.”
CLC campaign manager David Cooke wrote a detailed blog about how Bills C-8 and S-202 are direct assaults on the freedoms of Canadians.
A petition by CLC opposing Bill S-202 titled “Helping LGBT Individuals Change Is Not A Crime!” currently has nearly 13,000 signatures.
To read CLC’s full letter to Canada’s Bishops, click here.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-03--Federal judge blocks Trump admin from partly defunding Planned Parenthood

April 2 , 2020 ( Lif eSiteNews ) — The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled this week that the Trump administration can not exclude the abortion industry from federal family planning funds , further complicating the legal state of a long awaited policy enacted over a year ago .
The Protect Life Rule requires “ clear financial and physical separation between Title X–funded projects and programs or facilities where abortion is a method of family planning ” and bans “ referral for abortion as a method of family planning.
” The abortion lobby has responded with multiple lawsuits , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Title X rather than comply with the new conditions .
Abortion proponents have dubbed the rule a “ gag rule.
” A three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a temporary injunction against enforcing the rule last June , and the full court affirmed that decision in February , predicting that that lawsuits brought in California , Oregon , and Washington “ will not succeed ” on the merits .
But National Review reports that the Fourth Circuit sided with the opinion of U.S. District Judge Richard Bennett , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization in the United States has opposed implementation of this rule .
There is almost no professional support for its implementation.
” The appropriateness of allowing ( let alone subsidizing ) abortion is not primarily a medical question , but a humanitarian one , and the opinions of mainstream medical associations do not speak to whether the Constitution contains anything that would forbid the federal government from placing the Protect Life Rule ’ s conditions on federal assistance .
The Protect Life Rule is projected to cut almost $ 60 million from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most recent fiscal year .
The incoming presidential and congressional elections this November will decide whether funding to the abortion industry is further restricted or restored next year .

The judge cited the opposition of a number of pro-abortion medical associations to Trump's rule, but the question of funding Planned Parenthood is not a medical one.
Analysis
April 2, 2020 (Lif eSiteNews) — The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled this week that the Trump administration cannot exclude the abortion industry from federal family planning funds, further complicating the legal state of a long awaited policy enacted over a year ago.
The Protect Life Rule requires “clear financial and physical separation between Title X–funded projects and programs or facilities where abortion is a method of family planning” and bans “referral for abortion as a method of family planning.” The abortion lobby has responded with multiple lawsuits, and Planned Parenthood chose to withdraw from Title X rather than comply with the new conditions. Abortion proponents have dubbed the rule a “gag rule.”
A three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a temporary injunction against enforcing the rule last June, and the full court affirmed that decision in February, predicting that that lawsuits brought in California, Oregon, and Washington “will not succeed” on the merits.
But National Review reports that the Fourth Circuit sided with the opinion of U.S. District Judge Richard Bennett, who claimed that “literally every major medical organization in the United States has opposed implementation of this rule. There is almost no professional support for its implementation.”
The appropriateness of allowing (let alone subsidizing) abortion is not primarily a medical question, but a humanitarian one, and the opinions of mainstream medical associations do not speak to whether the Constitution contains anything that would forbid the federal government from placing the Protect Life Rule’s conditions on federal assistance.
The Protect Life Rule is projected to cut almost $60 million from the $616 million Planned Parenthood received during the most recent fiscal year. The incoming presidential and congressional elections this November will decide whether funding to the abortion industry is further restricted or restored next year.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-02--Cardinal blames COVID-19 pandemic on Chinese govt: Communist Party is a ‘threat to the world’

YANGON , Myanmar , April 2 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — A Myanmar Catholic cardinal has accused the Chinese Communist Party of being “ morally culpable ” for the coronavirus pandemic that has “ destroyed lives all over the world , ” with the “ Chinese people the first victims.
” Cardinal Charles Maung Bo , the Archbishop of Yangon , condemned China ’ s leader , Xi Jingping , and the Chinese Communist Party ( CCP ) in an April 2 statement that Asia News reported as the first time “ an ecclesial personality has lashed out against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsible for the coronavirus pandemic — which originated in the city of Wuhan in the Hubei province .
“ Through its inhumane and irresponsible handling of the coronavirus , the CCP has proven what many previously thought : that it is a threat to the world , ” Bo said in his statement ( here ) .
Xi ’ s regime “ is responsible , through its criminal negligence and repression , for the pandemic sweeping through our streets today.
” Bo accused Beijing of silencing doctors and journalists who warned about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acting to isolate Wuhan and Hubei until January 23 .
He cited a University of Southampton study that found had “ China acted responsibly just one , two or three weeks more quickly , the number affected by virus would have been cut by 66 percent , 86 percent and 95 percent , respectively .
Its failure has unleashed a global contagion killing thousands.
” And “ once the truth was out , ” Beijing rejected offers of help , ignored the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention and initially “ sidelined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although it collaborates closely with the Chinese regime , ” the cardinal noted .
There is also “ deep concern ” that the “ Chinese regime ’ s official statistics significantly downplay the scale of infection within China .
At the same time , the CCP has now accused the United States Army of causing the pandemic , ” Bo said .
“ Lies and propaganda have put millions of lives around the world in danger.
” Myanmar , where Catholics are about one percent of the population , is particularly hard hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ Bordering China , where COVID-19 first began , we are a poor nation , without the health and social care resources that more developed nations have , ” he noted .
“ Hundreds of thousands of people in Myanmar are displaced by conflict , living in camps in the country or on our borders without adequate sanitation , medicines or care , ” he said .
“ In such overcrowded camps , the ‘ social distancing ’ measures implemented by many countries are impossible to apply .
The healthcare systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world are overwhelmed , so imagine the dangers in a poor and conflict-ridden country like Myanmar.
” He also pointed out that the Chinese people are suffering indescribably under Xi ’ s regime , repeatedly making the distinction between the government and the people , and emphasizing that “ no one should respond to this crisis with racial hatred toward the Chinese.
” “ Indeed , the Chinese people were the first victims of this virus and have long been the primary victims of their repressive regime .
They deserve our sympathy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is the repression , the lies and the corruption of the CCP that are responsible , ” he wrote .
Particular victims of Xi ’ s “ despotic ” rule are the “ whistleblowers ” who raised alarm about the virus in late 2019 .
“ Dr .
Li Wenliang in Wuhan Central Hospital who issued a warning to fellow medics on 30 December – were ordered by the police to ‘ stop making false comments , ’ ” the cardinal wrote .
“ Li , a 34 year-old ophthalmologist , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spreading rumors ’ and was forced by the police to sign a confession .
He later died after contracting coronavirus.
” And “ journalists who tried to report on the virus then disappeared , ” he said .
“ Li Zehua , Chen Qiushi and Fang Bin are among those believed to have been arrested simply for telling the truth .
Legal scholar Xu Zhiong has also been detained after publishing an open letter criticizing the Chinese regime ’ s response , ” Bo said .
“ The CCP ’ s conduct is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In recent years , we have seen an intense crackdown on freedom of expression in China .
Lawyers , bloggers , dissidents and civil society activists have been rounded up and have disappeared , ” he noted .
“ In particular , the regime has launched a campaign against religion , resulting in the destruction of thousands of churches and crosses and the incarceration of at least one million Uyghur Muslims in concentration camps , ” he said .
“ The Chinese regime led by the all powerful XI and the Chinese Communist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people – owes us all an apology , and compensation for the destruction it has caused , ” Bo said .
He cited law professor James Kraska , who says China is legally responsible for COVID 19 and “ claims could be made in trillions.
” Bo also referenced Pope Francis ’ “ beautiful ” Ubi et Orbi homily on March 27 , in which the pontiff stood facing an empty St. Peter ’ s Square and “ reminded us that the coronavirus pandemic has united our common humanity.
” The cardinal ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are echoed by many , as evidence mounts against Beijing .
Bloomberg reported this week that a U.S. intelligence report revealed Beijing “ intentionally ” underreported the number of coronavirus deaths in the country , and China expert Steve Mosher recently wrote that many are coming to believe the China coronavirus may have been under study at a Wuhan biolab and somehow escaped .

Xi’s regime ‘is responsible, through its criminal negligence and repression, for the pandemic.’
YANGON, Myanmar, April 2, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — A Myanmar Catholic cardinal has accused the Chinese Communist Party of being “morally culpable” for the coronavirus pandemic that has “destroyed lives all over the world,” with the “Chinese people the first victims.”
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, the Archbishop of Yangon, condemned China’s leader, Xi Jingping, and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in an April 2 statement that Asia News reported as the first time “an ecclesial personality has lashed out against the Chinese regime” and held it responsible for the coronavirus pandemic — which originated in the city of Wuhan in the Hubei province.
“Through its inhumane and irresponsible handling of the coronavirus, the CCP has proven what many previously thought: that it is a threat to the world,” Bo said in his statement (here).
Xi’s regime “is responsible, through its criminal negligence and repression, for the pandemic sweeping through our streets today.”
Bo accused Beijing of silencing doctors and journalists who warned about the virus in December, and of not acting to isolate Wuhan and Hubei until January 23.
He cited a University of Southampton study that found had “China acted responsibly just one, two or three weeks more quickly, the number affected by virus would have been cut by 66 percent, 86 percent and 95 percent, respectively. Its failure has unleashed a global contagion killing thousands.”
And “once the truth was out,” Beijing rejected offers of help, ignored the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention and initially “sidelined” the World Health Organization, “although it collaborates closely with the Chinese regime,” the cardinal noted.
There is also “deep concern” that the “Chinese regime’s official statistics significantly downplay the scale of infection within China. At the same time, the CCP has now accused the United States Army of causing the pandemic,” Bo said.
“Lies and propaganda have put millions of lives around the world in danger.”
Myanmar, where Catholics are about one percent of the population, is particularly hard hit and “extremely vulnerable,” Bo said.
“Bordering China, where COVID-19 first began, we are a poor nation, without the health and social care resources that more developed nations have,” he noted.
“Hundreds of thousands of people in Myanmar are displaced by conflict, living in camps in the country or on our borders without adequate sanitation, medicines or care,” he said.
“In such overcrowded camps, the ‘social distancing’ measures implemented by many countries are impossible to apply. The healthcare systems in the most advanced countries in the world are overwhelmed, so imagine the dangers in a poor and conflict-ridden country like Myanmar.”
He also pointed out that the Chinese people are suffering indescribably under Xi’s regime, repeatedly making the distinction between the government and the people, and emphasizing that “no one should respond to this crisis with racial hatred toward the Chinese.”
“Indeed, the Chinese people were the first victims of this virus and have long been the primary victims of their repressive regime. They deserve our sympathy, our solidarity and our support. But it is the repression, the lies and the corruption of the CCP that are responsible,” he wrote.
Particular victims of Xi’s “despotic” rule are the “whistleblowers” who raised alarm about the virus in late 2019.
“Dr. Li Wenliang in Wuhan Central Hospital who issued a warning to fellow medics on 30 December – were ordered by the police to ‘stop making false comments,’” the cardinal wrote.
“Li, a 34 year-old ophthalmologist, was told he would be investigated for ‘spreading rumors’ and was forced by the police to sign a confession. He later died after contracting coronavirus.”
And “journalists who tried to report on the virus then disappeared,” he said.
“Li Zehua, Chen Qiushi and Fang Bin are among those believed to have been arrested simply for telling the truth. Legal scholar Xu Zhiong has also been detained after publishing an open letter criticizing the Chinese regime’s response,” Bo said.
“The CCP’s conduct is symptomatic of its increasingly repressive nature. In recent years, we have seen an intense crackdown on freedom of expression in China. Lawyers, bloggers, dissidents and civil society activists have been rounded up and have disappeared,” he noted.
“In particular, the regime has launched a campaign against religion, resulting in the destruction of thousands of churches and crosses and the incarceration of at least one million Uyghur Muslims in concentration camps,” he said.
“The Chinese regime led by the all powerful XI and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) – not its people – owes us all an apology, and compensation for the destruction it has caused,” Bo said.
He cited law professor James Kraska, who says China is legally responsible for COVID 19 and “claims could be made in trillions.”
Bo also referenced Pope Francis’ “beautiful” Ubi et Orbi homily on March 27, in which the pontiff stood facing an empty St. Peter’s Square and “reminded us that the coronavirus pandemic has united our common humanity.”
The cardinal’s accusations against Xi’s regime are echoed by many, as evidence mounts against Beijing.
Cardinal Joseph Zen, Bishop Emeritus of Hong Kong, tweeted his support for Cardinal Bo’s accusations.
Bloomberg reported this week that a U.S. intelligence report revealed Beijing “intentionally” underreported the number of coronavirus deaths in the country, and China expert Steve Mosher recently wrote that many are coming to believe the China coronavirus may have been under study at a Wuhan biolab and somehow escaped.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-02--Archbishop urges greater restrictions on religious activities than govt mandate requires

MIAMI , Florida , April 2 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Despite the fact that the governor of Florida ’ s recent “ stay-at-home ” order due to the coronavirus pandemic deems religious services as “ essential activities ” and permits public participation as long as “ social distancing guidelines ” are followed , the archbishop of Miami continues to forbid any sort of parish “ drive through ” services .
After Florida governor Ron DeSantis issued a 32-page executive order on April 1 allowing leeway for religious services to be offered at “ churches , synagogues , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wenski wrote to both clergy and laity laying out more stringent restrictions than those required by the state government .
“ Archbishop Thomas Wenski has urged archdiocesan priests to refrain from offering ‘ drive through ’ palms , confessions or holy Communion or ‘ any similar type of activity ’ that would encourage people to leave their homes for at least the next two weeks , ” according to a statement published by the Archdiocese of Miami .
Wenski ’ s statement , titled “ No palms , no confessions this weekend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day Gov .
DeSantis issued the executive order .
“ These next two weeks , our health professionals tell us will be very critical — with more people becoming infected and more deaths , ” wrote Wenski .
“ Because many people who are infected may not have any symptoms , the best way to mitigate risk is to practice social isolation and , if one has symptoms or has possibly been exposed , or has an underlying health problem , to self-quarantine.
” About one half of Florida ’ s coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which constitute the major portion of the Archdiocese of Miami .
“ Miami-Dade and Broward counties lead the state in confirmed coronavirus cases , which totaled 6,955 statewide as of April 1 , with 890 hospital admissions and 87 deaths .
Since March 29 , the cases in Florida have grown by over 800 each day , ” continues the archdiocesan statement .
“ Broward has tallied over 1,200 cases and 12 deaths ; Miami-Dade has about 2,200 cases and 7 deaths .
Statewide , about 10 % of those tested have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Because of the need for everyone to observe extreme social distance , and to follow civil authorities ’ instructions to remain at home as much as possible to mitigate the risks of spreading the virus , it is not prudent for parishes to plan any activity that would encourage people to leave their homes , ” wrote Wenski ( emphasis his ) .
“ Therefore , parishes are not to offer ‘ drive through ’ palms , confessions or Holy Communion or any similar type of activity.
” Governor DeSantis ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. governors had already issued similar orders .
The statewide “ stay-at-home ” order , which goes into effect at 12:01 A.M. Friday , April 3 , includes the following directive , identifying religious activities as “ essential ” : Governor DeSantis ’ s executive order can be viewed here .

Abp. Thomas Wenski of Miami insisted on the need for 'extreme social distance,' even as Florida's governor classified religious services as 'essential' and allowed for public Masses in his state.
Urgent appeal to bishops: Fight to make sacraments more available to your faithful Sign the petition here.
MIAMI, Florida, April 2, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Despite the fact that the governor of Florida’s recent “stay-at-home” order due to the coronavirus pandemic deems religious services as “essential activities” and permits public participation as long as “social distancing guidelines” are followed, the archbishop of Miami continues to forbid any sort of parish “drive through” services.
After Florida governor Ron DeSantis issued a 32-page executive order on April 1 allowing leeway for religious services to be offered at “churches, synagogues, and houses of worship,” Archbishop Thomas Wenski wrote to both clergy and laity laying out more stringent restrictions than those required by the state government.
“Archbishop Thomas Wenski has urged archdiocesan priests to refrain from offering ‘drive through’ palms, confessions or holy Communion or ‘any similar type of activity’ that would encourage people to leave their homes for at least the next two weeks,” according to a statement published by the Archdiocese of Miami.
Wenski’s statement, titled “No palms, no confessions this weekend,” was made public on the same day Gov. DeSantis issued the executive order.
“These next two weeks, our health professionals tell us will be very critical — with more people becoming infected and more deaths,” wrote Wenski. “Because many people who are infected may not have any symptoms, the best way to mitigate risk is to practice social isolation and, if one has symptoms or has possibly been exposed, or has an underlying health problem, to self-quarantine.”
About one half of Florida’s coronavirus cases have been in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, which constitute the major portion of the Archdiocese of Miami.
“Miami-Dade and Broward counties lead the state in confirmed coronavirus cases, which totaled 6,955 statewide as of April 1, with 890 hospital admissions and 87 deaths. Since March 29, the cases in Florida have grown by over 800 each day,” continues the archdiocesan statement. “Broward has tallied over 1,200 cases and 12 deaths; Miami-Dade has about 2,200 cases and 7 deaths. Statewide, about 10% of those tested have come back positive for the virus.”
“Because of the need for everyone to observe extreme social distance, and to follow civil authorities’ instructions to remain at home as much as possible to mitigate the risks of spreading the virus, it is not prudent for parishes to plan any activity that would encourage people to leave their homes,” wrote Wenski (emphasis his). “Therefore, parishes are not to offer ‘drive through’ palms, confessions or Holy Communion or any similar type of activity.”
Governor DeSantis’s executive order came after more than thirty U.S. governors had already issued similar orders.
The statewide “stay-at-home” order, which goes into effect at 12:01 A.M. Friday, April 3, includes the following directive, identifying religious activities as “essential”:
Governor DeSantis’s executive order can be viewed here.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-02--Planned Parenthood begs for protective equipment to do abortions as coronavirus rages

April 2 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) ― Planned Parenthood is begging supporters for protective equipment and other supplies while other doctors and nurses go without as they try to save the lives of coronavirus patients .
Sue Dunlap , the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles , wrote a message to the abortion giant ’ s mailing list asking for “ all of the same supplies you are hearing about on the news.
” “ In order to keep our patients , staff , and sites moving through this emergency , we need all of the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news , ” she wrote .
“ As gloves , masks , and medications run low , we are doing all that we can to procure supplies for the essential care our community is depending on us to provide.
” Like the World Health Organization , Planned Parenthood considers the killing of unborn human life “ an essential service , ” and abortion businesses remain open in most American states while other elective services , like dental care , are suspended .
Nevertheless , Planned Parenthood is asking not only for scarce medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for its “ almost-500 coworkers in order to help them cover groceries , child care , or any other expenses they are incurring while working and supporting Planned Parenthood patients through this difficult time.
” Much of California , including Los Angeles , is under lockdown , and social distancing between households is being encouraged .
Hundreds of daycares have been shut , so it is unclear whom Planned Parenthood employees are paying to care for their children .
Planned Parenthood Los Angeles is also asking for donations of laptop computers and mobile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operates in Central and Eastern Pennsylvania , is also asking for supplies to continue aborting children during the pandemic .
In late March , it asked for donations of “ hand sanitizers , home sewn masks , shoe covers , and surgical hats.
” According to National Right to Life News , Planned Parenthood Keystone is providing only abortions , and no other services , during the national health emergency .
Meanwhile , the government of Pennsylvania has suspended all elective surgery in the state .
Catholic writer John Zmirak said Planned Parenthood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beings even during the pandemic shows the organization for what it is .
“ Planned Parenthood wants masks and gloves ?
Fine .
Send them Halloween masks , since they ’ re a pack of ghouls , ” Zmirak told LifeSiteNews via social media .
“ Send them baseball gloves , since they only play at providing health care .
What they are is a murderous cult , little better than the Manson Gang , ” he continued .
“ The fact that they want us to divert life-saving surgical masks and gloves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so they can go on stealing organs from tiny Americans and selling them , tells us all we need to know .
These people belong in prison cells.
” Selene Cerankosky of Students for Life of America told LifeSiteNews that Planned Parenthood ’ s days of insisting that abortion is only part of what they do are over .
“ I think they can never again be defended as an organization who ‘ does more than abortion , ’ considering they are defaulting to this ‘ service ’ over any other during this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media .
“ They are so dead set on profiting over caring for women that they ’ ll attempt to rob women suffering from the coronavirus of essential supplies , ” Cerankosky added .
“ Why not ask for supplies to perform pap smears , ” Cerankosky wondered , “ or STD tests ?
It 's because they ’ re well aware abortion is their most profitable engagement , and they ’ ll leave everything else they do unaddressed in order to cash in on ending lives .
”

At least one regional Planned Parenthood chain is providing only abortions, and no other services, during the national health emergency.
April 2, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) ― Planned Parenthood is begging supporters for protective equipment and other supplies while other doctors and nurses go without as they try to save the lives of coronavirus patients.
Sue Dunlap, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, wrote a message to the abortion giant’s mailing list asking for “all of the same supplies you are hearing about on the news.”
“In order to keep our patients, staff, and sites moving through this emergency, we need all of the same supplies you are hearing about on the news,” she wrote.
“As gloves, masks, and medications run low, we are doing all that we can to procure supplies for the essential care our community is depending on us to provide.”
Like the World Health Organization, Planned Parenthood considers the killing of unborn human life “an essential service,” and abortion businesses remain open in most American states while other elective services, like dental care, are suspended. Nevertheless, Planned Parenthood is asking not only for scarce medical resources, but also for extra funds for its “almost-500 coworkers in order to help them cover groceries, child care, or any other expenses they are incurring while working and supporting Planned Parenthood patients through this difficult time.”
Much of California, including Los Angeles, is under lockdown, and social distancing between households is being encouraged. Hundreds of daycares have been shut, so it is unclear whom Planned Parenthood employees are paying to care for their children.
Planned Parenthood Los Angeles is also asking for donations of laptop computers and mobile phones.
Planned Parenthood Keystone, which operates in Central and Eastern Pennsylvania, is also asking for supplies to continue aborting children during the pandemic. In late March, it asked for donations of “hand sanitizers, home sewn masks, shoe covers, and surgical hats.” According to National Right to Life News, Planned Parenthood Keystone is providing only abortions, and no other services, during the national health emergency. Meanwhile, the government of Pennsylvania has suspended all elective surgery in the state.
Catholic writer John Zmirak said Planned Parenthood’s determination to keep harvesting human beings even during the pandemic shows the organization for what it is.
“Planned Parenthood wants masks and gloves? Fine. Send them Halloween masks, since they’re a pack of ghouls,” Zmirak told LifeSiteNews via social media.
“Send them baseball gloves, since they only play at providing health care. What they are is a murderous cult, little better than the Manson Gang,” he continued.
“The fact that they want us to divert life-saving surgical masks and gloves away from real health care providers, so they can go on stealing organs from tiny Americans and selling them, tells us all we need to know. These people belong in prison cells.”
Selene Cerankosky of Students for Life of America told LifeSiteNews that Planned Parenthood’s days of insisting that abortion is only part of what they do are over.
“I think they can never again be defended as an organization who ‘does more than abortion,’ considering they are defaulting to this ‘service’ over any other during this time,” she said via social media.
“They are so dead set on profiting over caring for women that they’ll attempt to rob women suffering from the coronavirus of essential supplies,” Cerankosky added.
“Why not ask for supplies to perform pap smears,” Cerankosky wondered, “or STD tests? It's because they’re well aware abortion is their most profitable engagement, and they’ll leave everything else they do unaddressed in order to cash in on ending lives.”
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lifesitenews--2020-04-03--Italian doctor pens inspiring letter from COVID-19 trenches: Can’t take anything for granted … all i

Italian doctor pens inspiring letter from COVID-19 trenches: Can’t take anything for granted … all is ‘gift’

MILAN , Italy , April 3 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) ― A doctor at the frontlines of Italy ’ s battle against the coronavirus has written a moving letter about prayer , gratitude , and human solidarity .
The letter , first published in Italian on March 18 , has begun to be circulated in English .
Dr. Amedeo Capetti , an infectious disease specialist at the Luigi Sacco Hospital in Milan , wrote to the editor of Il Foglio , a centrist national newspaper , to describe the psychological and spiritual phenomena he is witnessing as a physician @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Capetti dismisses the shallow expressions of bravado that are obscuring deeper spiritual realities .
He wrote that he was not convinced by the “ new idolatry ” of medical professionals caused by the pandemic .
He believes this is merely a “ completely understandable attempt to exorcise a most human fear.
” He is likewise unimpressed by cries that “ we are going to make it.
” “ Who is going to make it ?
” he asked .
“ You to whom I am writing and I ?
The Italian people understood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convince me and leaves me frankly perplexed.
” The virologist objects to a desire for everyone to “ leap over ” the “ drama of the present ” toward the end of the epidemic because he believes there is something transformative to be learned now .
Before Capetti was recruited into the battle against COVID-19 , he was an expert in antiretroviral therapy , working with 650 HIV+ patients .
He reported that these patients now almost never complain but instead send him daily messages to ask how he is “ and also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience that I am living.
” This is his reason for writing to the editor , he explained , because it illustrates a phenomenon that doctors often see in those who have escaped from mortal peril , which is “ the experience of opening their eyes and realizing that nothing can be taken for granted.
” “ That is , everything is a gift -- waking up in the morning , greeting our loved ones , and every little moment of a day that for some must be filled , but for others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a thing is possible , even more whirling than before , ” he wrote .
Capetti said the “ grace of this new self-awareness transforms everything that we do , creating amazement and friendship ” and a special closeness to the sick .
“ We look at one another and say : ‘ Today we can ’ t hug , but a smile says even more than a hug could say.
’ This awareness allows us to become participants in the drama of our patients , ” he wrote .
People on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engaging one another spiritually .
The virologist reported also that his colleagues are , for the very first time , asking him to pray “ not only for their loved ones but for their patients.
” “ And this also is contagious , ” Capetti wrote .
“ Yesterday , a woman from Crema called me to find out about her grandmother who is hospitalized and seriously ill at the Sacco ( Hospital ) .
She told me about her other grandmother , dead of COVID-19 , and about her mother , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she told me , ’ You see , doctor , at the beginning I prayed , but now I don ’ t pray anymore.
’ ” “ I replied , ‘ I understand , Ma ’ am .
Don ’ t worry .
I will pray for her.
’ At hearing this , she was jolted and said , ‘ Well , Doctor , if you do it , I will do it too .
And together we will also pray for my mama.
’ ” “ All of this is such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became aware of it , it could , in my opinion , have a great civic value , ” Capetti continued .
“ Recognizing that we are fragile and that everything is given to us , starting from the ability to breathe , today so little taken for granted , would smooth out many differences and useless discussions.
” Capetti finally addressed the possibility of keeping this awareness alive even when the pandemic is over , given the lamentable habit of human beings to return to their old vices “ after a period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I understand , this gratitude must become a sensible reflection on what is happening , one that is best expressed in the questions that we are asking now and that are uniting us , ” he wrote .
“ Ultimately , what is the cause of all this ?
Why did our eyes suddenly open and start to see the real essence of things ?
Where can this experience take us ?
Where can we find this human gaze upon each other that we see today in other situations ?
Who can help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience of amazement “ bursting into life , ” the sense that “ nothing can be taken for granted and everything is a gift , ” began for him many years ago , and that every time it happens again , he becomes more sure of its origin .
“ For others , it will be a new journey , ” he wrote .
“ I can not give , and I do not want to give , pre-established answers because everyone , like me , can understand only by having the experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can raise the question , for nothing should be taken for granted or be reduced intellectually or aesthetically.
” Italy , which has taken the brunt of the European wave of the Wuhan COVID-19 pandemic , has now reported 151,242 cases and 13,915 coronavirus-related deaths .

The virologist wrote that he has seen a spiritual transformation -- a time of grace and self-awareness -- in patients and caregivers.
MILAN, Italy, April 3, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) ― A doctor at the frontlines of Italy’s battle against the coronavirus has written a moving letter about prayer, gratitude, and human solidarity.
The letter, first published in Italian on March 18, has begun to be circulated in English.
Dr. Amedeo Capetti, an infectious disease specialist at the Luigi Sacco Hospital in Milan, wrote to the editor of Il Foglio, a centrist national newspaper, to describe the psychological and spiritual phenomena he is witnessing as a physician at the center of the pandemic.
Capetti dismisses the shallow expressions of bravado that are obscuring deeper spiritual realities. He wrote that he was not convinced by the “new idolatry” of medical professionals caused by the pandemic. He believes this is merely a “completely understandable attempt to exorcise a most human fear.” He is likewise unimpressed by cries that “we are going to make it.”
“Who is going to make it?” he asked. “You to whom I am writing and I? The Italian people understood abstractly? All this doesn’t convince me and leaves me frankly perplexed.”
The virologist objects to a desire for everyone to “leap over” the “drama of the present” toward the end of the epidemic because he believes there is something transformative to be learned now.
Before Capetti was recruited into the battle against COVID-19, he was an expert in antiretroviral therapy, working with 650 HIV+ patients. He reported that these patients now almost never complain but instead send him daily messages to ask how he is “and also to participate in the incredible and exceptional experience that I am living.”
This is his reason for writing to the editor, he explained, because it illustrates a phenomenon that doctors often see in those who have escaped from mortal peril, which is “the experience of opening their eyes and realizing that nothing can be taken for granted.”
“That is, everything is a gift — waking up in the morning, greeting our loved ones, and every little moment of a day that for some must be filled, but for others like me has become, if such a thing is possible, even more whirling than before,” he wrote.
Capetti said the “grace of this new self-awareness transforms everything that we do, creating amazement and friendship” and a special closeness to the sick.
“We look at one another and say: ‘Today we can’t hug, but a smile says even more than a hug could say.’ This awareness allows us to become participants in the drama of our patients,” he wrote.
People on the frontlines of the medical emergency are also engaging one another spiritually. The virologist reported also that his colleagues are, for the very first time, asking him to pray “not only for their loved ones but for their patients.”
“And this also is contagious,” Capetti wrote.
“Yesterday, a woman from Crema called me to find out about her grandmother who is hospitalized and seriously ill at the Sacco (Hospital). She told me about her other grandmother, dead of COVID-19, and about her mother, on life support in Crema, and then she told me,’You see, doctor, at the beginning I prayed, but now I don’t pray anymore.’”
“I replied, ‘I understand, Ma’am. Don’t worry. I will pray for her.’ At hearing this, she was jolted and said, ‘Well, Doctor, if you do it, I will do it too. And together we will also pray for my mama.’”
“All of this is such a treasure and grace that if more people became aware of it, it could, in my opinion, have a great civic value,” Capetti continued.
“Recognizing that we are fragile and that everything is given to us, starting from the ability to breathe, today so little taken for granted, would smooth out many differences and useless discussions.”
Capetti finally addressed the possibility of keeping this awareness alive even when the pandemic is over, given the lamentable habit of human beings to return to their old vices “after a period of great enthusiasm.”
”From what I understand, this gratitude must become a sensible reflection on what is happening, one that is best expressed in the questions that we are asking now and that are uniting us,” he wrote.
“Ultimately, what is the cause of all this? Why did our eyes suddenly open and start to see the real essence of things? Where can this experience take us? Where can we find this human gaze upon each other that we see today in other situations? Who can help us?”
The doctor said the experience of amazement “bursting into life,” the sense that “nothing can be taken for granted and everything is a gift,” began for him many years ago, and that every time it happens again, he becomes more sure of its origin.
“For others, it will be a new journey,” he wrote.
“I cannot give, and I do not want to give, pre-established answers because everyone, like me, can understand only by having the experience,” he continued.
“But I can raise the question, for nothing should be taken for granted or be reduced intellectually or aesthetically.”
Italy, which has taken the brunt of the European wave of the Wuhan COVID-19 pandemic, has now reported 151,242 cases and 13,915 coronavirus-related deaths.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-03--COVID-19 scare leads to more digital surveillance, talk of mandatory vaccine ‘tattoos’ for kids

LifeSite ’ s previous ( and future ) live updates on the coronavirus crisis and how it relates to issues our readers care about can be viewed HERE .
April 3 , 2020 , 6:15 p.m. EST : During tonight ’ s coronavirus press briefing , President Trump was asked a question about the FDA ’ s new requirement that men only abstain from homosexual activity for three months before donating blood ( there were previously required to wait a year ) .
Trump said the decision was made by “ very capable people.
” Pro-life activists in North Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ “ stay-at-home ” orders that apparently ban them from exercising the right to free speech outside abortion centers , even when following so-called social distancing guidelines .
• Vatican theologian : Pandemic is God ’ s chastisement for ‘ infidelity ’ of top Catholic shepherds • Our Lady foretold a terrible punishment akin to the coronavirus pandemic • LGBT activist helped mastermind UK bishops ’ order to shut down churches , going beyond govt order • The COVID-19 outbreak is the perfect time to go to a cemetery and think about death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peru restricts movement during pandemic by gender .
Did transgenders get a free pass ?
• Exorcist : Priests have ‘ obligation ’ to give sacraments to dying , ‘ regardless ’ of what bishop says • Planned Parenthood profits skyrocket as all services but abortion decline The Society of St. Pius X ( SSPX ) , which was a “ life raft ” for Catholics desiring Holy Mass right now , has announced it is cancelling “ most ” public Masses in the U.S .
It is still encouraging its priests to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
An article in Scientific American describes the vision of Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT ) researchers for directly into the skin ” of children .
“ Along with the vaccine , a child would be injected with a bit of dye that is invisible to the naked eye but easily seen with a special cell-phone filter , combined with an app that shines near-infrared light onto the skin .
The dye would be expected to last up to five years , according to tests on pig and rat skin and human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this idea , which the article proudly notes avoids using “ iris scans ” that might violate privacy , was “ funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
” It “ came about because of a direct request from Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates himself , who has been supporting efforts to wipe out diseases such as polio and measles across the world.
” A LifeSiteNews article with more details is forthcoming .
Governments are ramping up their surveillance on citizens .
Digital surveillance rolled out to curb coronavirus should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 100 rights groups said on Thursday , warning governments not to use the crisis as cover for pervasive snooping .
From facial recognition to phone tracking , governments are turning to technology to trace infections and keep tabs on the population as they enforce lockdowns , curfews and quarantines .
But without appropriate safeguards in place , tools deployed to save lives could cause lasting harm to people ’ s rights , leading civil society organisations , including Human Rights Watch ( HRW ) and Privacy International , said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surveillance powers , such as obtaining access to mobile phone location data , threatens privacy , freedom of expression and freedom of association , ” the groups said .
Bishop Robert Baker of the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama has walked back his suggestion that priests find creative ways to distribute Holy Communion to the faithful on Holy Thursday .
Since making his initial suggestion , “ I have heard arguments for and against this initiative ( some of which were even presented in a respectful manner ) , and have ultimately decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bit longer , ” Baker said in a statement .
“ It seems that scientists do not yet agree on whether the virus can be passed through the air .
As long as the virus is still so prevalent ( it has not yet peaked in Alabama ) and we do not yet have clear answers on such weighty issues , I now judge it best that we revisit the possibility of distributing Holy Communion after Easter.
” In New York , eight sex offenders are among the prisoners who have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 3,500 California prisoners will also be released from that state ’ s crowded prison system early to slow the spread of the virus . )
Bloomberg reports that Vermont has ordered stores to stop selling anything “ non-essential ” : The state on Tuesday ordered Walmart Inc. and other big-box retailers to halt the sale of “ non-essential ” products in their brick-and-mortar locations to reduce the potential spread of the coronavirus .
A spokesman for Vermont ’ s Agency of Commerce and Community Development said Tuesday ’ s directive was meant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a March 24 executive order from Governor Phil Scott that said state businesses should suspend in-person business operations .
The order excluded retailers “ serving basic human needs ” such as grocery stores and pharmacies , recommending only that they conduct business online and through curbside pickup “ to the extent possible.
” Some stores in the U.K. have apparently also been told they mustn ’ t sell chocolate Easter eggs , as they are considered “ non-essential.
” The Muslim mayor of London has praised Cardinal Vincent Nichols for closing churches during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the U.S. House behind the ( failed ) impeachment of President Donald Trump are now launching a wide-ranging investigation into the Trump Administration ’ s handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
Senator Marco Rubio ( R-FL ) has warned that the pro-abortion World Health Organization ’ s subserviance to Communist China “ undermined global health ” and “ could prove fatal ” during this crisis .
An article published yesterday in The Hill details the “ political strings ” that are attached to China ’ s purportedly charitable international aid efforts related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsible .
Finally , some good news : 11 California Planned Parenthoods are currently closed because of the coronavirus .

Live updates on the coronavirus crisis and how it relates to pro-life issues, faith, and freedom.
LifeSite’s previous (and future) live updates on the coronavirus crisis and how it relates to issues our readers care about can be viewed HERE.
April 4, 2020, 5:23 p.m. EST: One of the Benham brothers – the twins who famously lost an HGTV show over their biblical view of human sexuality – has been arrested sidewalk counseling in North Carolina.
April 3, 2020, 6:15 p.m. EST: During tonight’s coronavirus press briefing, President Trump was asked a question about the FDA’s new requirement that men only abstain from homosexual activity for three months before donating blood (there were previously required to wait a year). Trump said the decision was made by “very capable people.”
Pro-life activists in North Carolina and Michigan are suing over their states’ “stay-at-home” orders that apparently ban them from exercising the right to free speech outside abortion centers, even when following so-called social distancing guidelines.
LifeSite’s coverage of the coronavirus crisis today includes:
April 3, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – The worldwide coronavirus lockdown continues.
The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), which was a “life raft” for Catholics desiring Holy Mass right now, has announced it is cancelling “most” public Masses in the U.S. It is still encouraging its priests to be available for Confession and other Sacraments.
An article in Scientific American describes the vision of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers for embedding vaccine records “ directly into the skin” of children.
“Along with the vaccine, a child would be injected with a bit of dye that is invisible to the naked eye but easily seen with a special cell-phone filter, combined with an app that shines near-infrared light onto the skin. The dye would be expected to last up to five years, according to tests on pig and rat skin and human skin in a dish.”
In developing this idea, which the article proudly notes avoids using “iris scans” that might violate privacy, was “funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.” It “came about because of a direct request from Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates himself, who has been supporting efforts to wipe out diseases such as polio and measles across the world.”
A LifeSiteNews article with more details is forthcoming.
Governments are ramping up their surveillance on citizens.
Reuters reported yesterday:
Digital surveillance rolled out to curb coronavirus should be limited in time and scope, more than 100 rights groups said on Thursday, warning governments not to use the crisis as cover for pervasive snooping. From facial recognition to phone tracking, governments are turning to technology to trace infections and keep tabs on the population as they enforce lockdowns, curfews and quarantines. But without appropriate safeguards in place, tools deployed to save lives could cause lasting harm to people’s rights, leading civil society organisations, including Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Privacy International, said in a statement. “An increase in state digital surveillance powers, such as obtaining access to mobile phone location data, threatens privacy, freedom of expression and freedom of association,” the groups said.
Bishop Robert Baker of the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama has walked back his suggestion that priests find creative ways to distribute Holy Communion to the faithful on Holy Thursday.
Since making his initial suggestion, “I have heard arguments for and against this initiative (some of which were even presented in a respectful manner), and have ultimately decided that it is best to delay it a bit longer,” Baker said in a statement. “It seems that scientists do not yet agree on whether the virus can be passed through the air. As long as the virus is still so prevalent (it has not yet peaked in Alabama) and we do not yet have clear answers on such weighty issues, I now judge it best that we revisit the possibility of distributing Holy Communion after Easter.”
In New York, eight sex offenders are among the prisoners who have been released from jail because of the coronavirus (3,500 California prisoners will also be released from that state’s crowded prison system early to slow the spread of the virus.)
Bloomberg reports that Vermont has ordered stores to stop selling anything “non-essential”:
The state on Tuesday ordered Walmart Inc. and other big-box retailers to halt the sale of “non-essential” products in their brick-and-mortar locations to reduce the potential spread of the coronavirus. A spokesman for Vermont’s Agency of Commerce and Community Development said Tuesday’s directive was meant “to provide further clarity” to a March 24 executive order from Governor Phil Scott that said state businesses should suspend in-person business operations. The order excluded retailers “serving basic human needs” such as grocery stores and pharmacies, recommending only that they conduct business online and through curbside pickup “to the extent possible.”
Some stores in the U.K. have apparently also been told they mustn’t sell chocolate Easter eggs, as they are considered “non-essential.”
The Muslim mayor of London has praised Cardinal Vincent Nichols for closing churches during the coronavirus crisis.
“As our churches remain closed, let us open our hearts even wider”. Inspiring words from @CardinalNichols – and good to hear about the plans in place for London's Catholic community to observe Lent whilst following the current, guidance to #StayAtHome. https://t.co/aQ1RTXdQTa — Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) April 2, 2020
The same Democrats in the U.S. House behind the (failed) impeachment of President Donald Trump are now launching a wide-ranging investigation into the Trump Administration’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has warned that the pro-abortion World Health Organization’s subserviance to Communist China “undermined global health” and “could prove fatal” during this crisis.
An article published yesterday in The Hill details the “political strings” that are attached to China’s purportedly charitable international aid efforts related to the virus for which it is responsible.
Finally, some good news: 11 California Planned Parenthoods are currently closed because of the coronavirus.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-03--The COVID-19 outbreak is the perfect time to go to a cemetery and think about death. Here’s why.

April 3 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — One of the favorite things my melancholic-introverted temperament likes to do is go to the cemetery and pray for the dead .
Given the extraordinary circumstances we find ourselves in with the coronavirus outbreak , I think others should go and do the same .
Obviously , cemeteries are great places to reflect , pray , and “ be still and know that I am the Lord ” ( Psalms 46:10 ) .
There ’ s also a rather low risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus from its inhabitants .
But more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important to , as 2 Maccabees 12:46 states , pray for the dead so they will be loosed from their sins in purgatory .
There are other benefits of going to cemeteries , too .
For one , it ’ s important to have a relationship with those who came before us and to not let them be forgotten .
Tradition , it ’ s been said , is democracy with the dead .
I agree with that .
Honoring those who have already gone through this valley of tears , kept their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” of life , as St. Paul calls it , deserve to be remembered .
It ’ s no small thing to have struggled through the sometimes severe punishments this life has to offer .
Oftentimes I ’ ll stop by the graves of my deceased relatives and ask them to pray for me .
I ’ ll stand over them and think about the good times we had and how they lived out the Gospel .
They teach me lessons even after their death !
It brings me joy to think about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my great aunts and uncles were alive and when everyone in my family had the same faith and the same values .
But it causes me grief to think about how society has completely turned its back on Christ in recent decades .
Just what are souls putting their trust and hope in , anyway ?
Money ?
Sports ?
Music ?
TV ?
Despite that , I ’ m inspired when I go to cemeteries .
Being around the dead , in silence , motivates me to make the most of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this earth and to fight for the restoration of Christendom .
When visiting cemeteries , one can ’ t help but notice the obvious differences in the ages of those buried there .
There is no telling when God is going to call us before his almighty judgment seat .
I often think to myself , as I walk past the many headstones I see , “ How did that person die ?
What were their hopes and dreams ?
Did they ever expect to die so young ?
What sense of loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Were they in a state of grace when they passed ?
” I cry once in a while thinking about the answers to those questions .
Thomas à Kempis wrote in The Imitation of Christ that , “ in every deed and every thought , act as though you were to die this very day .
If you had a good conscience you would not fear death very much.
” At a time when so many people are falling ill and dying within literally 24 hours after being infected with the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a better way to spend time on this earth right now than to go to a cemetery and prepare for and focus on the four last things — death , judgement , heaven , and hell .
As Scripture reminds us , “ death comes like a thief in the night .
”

What better time than now to go to a cemetery and pray for the dead, and contemplate the four last things – death, judgement, heaven, and hell?
PRAYER PLEDGE: Rally around the daily Rosary to stop the coronavirus Sign the petition here.
April 3, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — One of my favorite things to do is go to the cemetery and pray for the dead. Given the extraordinary circumstances we find ourselves in with the coronavirus outbreak, I think others should go and do the same.
Obviously, cemeteries are great places to reflect, pray, and “be still and know that I am the Lord” (Psalms 46:10). There’s also a rather low risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus from its inhabitants.
But more than that, it’s vitally important to, as 2 Maccabees 12:46 states, pray for the dead so they will be loosed from their sins in purgatory.
There are other benefits of going to cemeteries, too.
For one, it’s important to have a relationship with those who came before us and to not let them be forgotten. Tradition, it’s been said, is democracy with the dead. I agree with that.
Honoring those who have already gone through this valley of tears, kept their faith, and “ran the race” of life, as St. Paul calls it, deserve to be remembered. It’s no small thing to have struggled through the sometimes severe punishments this life has to offer.
Oftentimes I’ll stop by the graves of my deceased relatives and ask them to pray for me. I’ll stand over them and think about the good times we had and how they lived out the Gospel. They teach me lessons even after their death!
It brings me joy to think about the “good old days” when my great aunts and uncles were alive and when everyone in my family had the same faith and the same values.
But it causes me grief to think about how society has completely turned its back on Christ in recent decades. Just what are souls putting their trust and hope in, anyway? Money? Sports? Music? TV?
Despite that, I’m inspired when I go to cemeteries. Being around the dead, in silence, motivates me to make the most of the brief time I have been given on this earth and to fight for the restoration of Christendom.
When visiting cemeteries, one can’t help but notice the obvious differences in the ages of those buried there.
There is no telling when God is going to call us before his almighty judgment seat. I often think to myself, as I walk past the many headstones I see, “How did that person die? What were their hopes and dreams? Did they ever expect to die so young? What sense of loss did their family feel when they died? Were they in a state of grace when they passed?” I cry once in a while thinking about the answers to those questions.
Thomas à Kempis wrote in The Imitation of Christ that, “in every deed and every thought, act as though you were to die this very day. If you had a good conscience you would not fear death very much.”
At a time when so many people are falling ill and dying within literally 24 hours after being infected with the coronavirus, I can’t think of a better way to spend time on this earth right now than to go to a cemetery and prepare for and focus on the four last things — death, judgement, heaven, and hell. As Scripture reminds us, “death comes like a thief in the night.”
Follow Stephen Stephen Kokx is a journalist for LifeSiteNews. He previously worked for the Archdiocese of Chicago under the late Francis Cardinal George. A former community college instructor, Stephen has written and spoken extensively about Catholic social teaching and politics. His essays have appeared in a variety of outlets, including Catholic Family News, CatholicVote, and Alpha News.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-03--Peru restricts movement during pandemic by gender. Did transgenders get a free pass?

April 3 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – As fear of the coronavirus continues to dominate the globe , Peru has instituted an unconventional method of limiting the number of people allowed to travel outside their homes in their communities at any given time : Men and women are allowed to leave their homes only on different days of the week .
Law enforcement officials , however , have been instructed to “ not have homophobic attitudes ” in enforcing the order , and “ respect ” the “ gender identities ” of gender-confused residents .
The unusual policy raises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schedule applies to individuals who may be one sex but claim to “ identify ” as another .
Does this give gender-confused individuals a free pass to travel at will ?
Peru , which has so far seen more than 1,400 COVID-19 cases and at least 55 deaths , is allowing men to leave their homes on Mondays , Wednesdays and Fridays , and women to go outdoors on Tuesdays , Thursdays , and Saturdays , the BBC reports .
Both sexes must stay indoors on Sundays .
The policy is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 .
`` We have to get fewer people on the streets every day , '' Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra said Thursday .
“ On Sunday everyone has to be at home .
No one has justification for leaving.
” He noted that stores are closed on Sundays anyway ; Peru ’ s coronavirus lockdown had already shut down religious services .
As a practical matter , that instruction is unlikely to impact whatever effectiveness the gendered stay-at-home order is likely to have , since the order appears to be purely about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than anything pertaining to their biological characteristics .
Still , the need to publicly signal “ respect ” for the LGBT community in the midst of a public-health crisis appears to be emblematic of the priorities of leaders in every country where debate rages over the LGBT agenda .
Readers can click here for LifeSiteNews ’ live updates on the coronavirus and its impact all over the world .

Law enforcement officials have been instructed to 'not have homophobic attitudes' in enforcing the order.
April 3, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – As fear of the coronavirus continues to dominate the globe, Peru has instituted an unconventional method of limiting the number of people allowed to travel outside their homes in their communities at any given time: Men and women are allowed to leave their homes only on different days of the week.
Law enforcement officials, however, have been instructed to “not have homophobic attitudes” in enforcing the order, and “respect” the “gender identities” of gender-confused residents.
The unusual policy raises obvious questions as to how the gender-segregated schedule applies to individuals who may be one sex but claim to “identify” as another. Does this give gender-confused individuals a free pass to travel at will?
Peru, which has so far seen more than 1,400 COVID-19 cases and at least 55 deaths, is allowing men to leave their homes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and women to go outdoors on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the BBC reports. Both sexes must stay indoors on Sundays. The policy is expected to remain in place at least until April 12.
“We have to get fewer people on the streets every day,” Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra said Thursday. “On Sunday everyone has to be at home. No one has justification for leaving.” He noted that stores are closed on Sundays anyway; Peru’s coronavirus lockdown had already shut down religious services.
As a practical matter, that instruction is unlikely to impact whatever effectiveness the gendered stay-at-home order is likely to have, since the order appears to be purely about the number of Peruvians on the streets rather than anything pertaining to their biological characteristics.
Still, the need to publicly signal “respect” for the LGBT community in the midst of a public-health crisis appears to be emblematic of the priorities of leaders in every country where debate rages over the LGBT agenda.
Readers can click here for LifeSiteNews’ live updates on the coronavirus and its impact all over the world.
Follow Calvin Calvin Freiburger is a Wisconsin-based conservative writer and 2011 graduate of Hillsdale College. His commentary and analysis have been featured on NewsReal Blog, Live Action, and various other conservative websites. Before joining LifeSiteNews, he spent two years in Washington, DC, working to build support for the Life at Conception Act with the National Pro-Life Alliance, then worked a year and a half as assistant editor of TheFederalistPapers.org. You can follow him on Twitter @CalFreiburger, and check out his personal website, ConservativeStandards.com.
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