Pope Francis asks for vaccines for poor countries during Urbi et Orbi blessing

Pope Francis repeated his Christmas message to the international community, asking the governments to work in solidarity to ensure that vaccines reach the countries that need them most.

POPE FRANCIS
I urge the entire international community, in a spirit of global responsibility, to commit to overcoming delays in the distribution of vaccines and to facilitate their distribution, especially in the poorest countries.

The Pope praised the dedication of health care workers throughout the pandemic and prayed for those who have suffered its effects. He also prayed for an end to armed conflicts.

He expressed hope for peace between Israel and Palestine and prayed for migrants, as well as for the countries that welcome them. The Pope then asked for peace in many countries currently experiencing forgotten conflict, such as Myanmar, Ukraine, Syria, and Yemen. He made special mention of Haiti, a country ravaged by unrest, chaos, and instability.

POPE FRANCIS
I am close to you. I am close to you and I want a definitive resolution to your problems. I am praying for this, dear Haitian brothers and sisters.

Shortly before delivering the blessing, he celebrated mass at St. Peter’s where he thanked Cardinal Angelo Comastri for taking care of the basilica during the 16 years he was its archpriest. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti assumed his role just over a month ago.