VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis urged countries in his Easter message on Sunday to accelerate the distribution of coronavirus vaccines, particularly to the world's poor, and called armed conflict and military spending during a pandemic "scandalous".
COVID-19 has meant this has been the second year in a row that Easter papal services have been attended by small gatherings at a secondary altar of St Peter's Basilica, instead of by crowds in the church or in the square outside. After saying Mass, Francis read his Urbi et Orbi ("to the city and the world") message, in which he traditionally reviews world problems and appeals for peace.
"The pandemic is still spreading, while the social and economic crisis remains severe, especially for the poor. Nonetheless – and this is scandalous – armed conflicts have not ended and military arsenals are being strengthened," he said. Francis, who would normally have given the address to up to 100,000 people in St Peter's Square, spoke to fewer than 200 in the church while the message was broadcast to tens of millions around the world.
The pope asked God to comfort the sick, those who have lost a loved one, and the unemployed, urging authorities to give families in greatest need a "decent sustenance". He also praised medical workers, sympathized with young people unable to attend school, and said everyone was called to combat the pandemic.
"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 said.
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