"Vaccine for All Humanity," Pope's Christmas Blessing on COVID-19

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Pope Francis appealed for the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in his Christmas message on the 25th (local time).

In the Christmas message and blessing "Urbi et Orbi" (Latin for "to Rome and the whole world") delivered at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the Pope emphasized, "Vaccines can be a light of hope when provided to all humanity."

Empty St. Peter's Square
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

The Pope particularly urged special consideration for the most vulnerable and marginalized, stating that market logic and vaccine patent laws cannot be placed above human beings.

To prevent crowds from gathering, the Christmas message reading and blessing were held inside the basilica rather than on the "Blessing Balcony" located in the center of the second floor of St. Peter's Basilica.

During the first wave of the virus last April, the Pope also conducted the Easter blessing inside St. Peter's Basilica without the attendance of worshippers, broadcasting it online.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.