"Enough Vaccines for Poor Countries"…Pope's Easter Message

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On Easter Sunday, April 4 (local time), Pope Francis urged countries around the world to share COVID-19 vaccines with poor nations.

In his Easter message, the Pope said, "The pandemic has sharply increased the number of poor people and deepened the despair of many."

He added, "Everyone, including the most vulnerable, needs help and has the right to access essential care," and urged, "The international community should take responsibility to overcome supply delays and commit to ensuring that poor countries receive sufficient vaccines."

The Pope criticized the ongoing armed conflicts amid worsening social and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 situation as "a shameful matter."

He also praised the young people of Myanmar who took to the streets to restore democracy against the military coup, saying they "dedicated themselves to supporting democracy and raising peaceful voices."

Meanwhile, this year’s Easter message was delivered inside St. Peter's Basilica in the presence of only about 200 believers and priests.

The Italian government imposed lockdown measures nationwide from April 3 to 5, including restrictions on going out and the closure of non-essential businesses such as restaurants, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the Easter period.

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