A vast chorus of diverse voices across the world on May 14 joined the global Day of Prayer for Humanity against the coronavirus epidemic. Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs and other religions participated in the unique prayer program as more than 4.3 million people across the globe have now been infected with Covid-19 since an outbreak was first reported in China’s Hubei province at the end of 2019. More than 296,600 people have officially died from the infection, and experts have issued dramatic forecasts regarding the aftermath of the pandemic that has devastated economies and left millions without a job.

Pope Francis on April 4 accepted the resignation of Bishops Cyprian Monis of Asansol and Salvadore Lobo of Baruipur, both dioceses in West Bengal State, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India announced.

Both the prelates have crossed the mandatory retirement age of 75.

Bishop Lobo has been succeeded by Bishop Shyamal Bose, currently the coadjutor of Baruipur. Meanwhile the Pope has appointed Bishop Emeritus Lobo as the apostolic administrator of Asansol. Bishop Monis was born on April 11, 1945, at Dorna Halli in Mysore diocese, Karnataka.