Pope Francis calls for cancellation of poor countries' debt

He said that because of pandemic it's time for “rectification”.

The pope is preparing for an audience with public presence to be held on Wednesday.

This is the first such audience since the beginning of the coronary pandemic in Italy, six months ago, AFP reports.

“I repeat my call for cancelling the debt of the most endangered countries, as a sign of recognition of the serious impact of the medical, social and economic crisis these countries are facing as a result of COVID-19”, the head of the Catholic Church said.

The World Bank warned last month that pandemic may have led up to 100 million people to extreme poverty.

Developed economies have already pledged to suspend the debt payments of poorer countries by the end of the year.