New Theory: Coronavirus Is Punishment – From Gaia Leonardo Boff, 81, believes that the coronavirus is “a retaliation from Gaia for the insults we inflict upon her” (ATerraERedonda.com, March 14).For Boff, a lapsed priest and hero of communist Liberation Theology, it’s not accidental that the virus exploded there “where pollution is greatest.”Through it, the “Great Mother” Gaia gives us signs “that she's sick.” Boff replaces God with Gaia explaining that “the earth wants a different attitude towards her.”We should not forget “that the Earth herself feels, thinks, loves, worships and heals.”