Pope Francis has spoken out about the merits of vaccination in combating the Covid-19 pandemic, describing it as an “act of love”.
In a video, co-produced with the Ad Council, Pope Francis urges people to get vaccinated, saying: “Thanks to God’s grace and the work of many, we now have vaccines to protect us from Covid-19. They bring hope to end the pandemic, but only if they are available to all and if we collaborate with one another.”
He adds: “Getting the vaccines that are authorised by the respective authorities is an act of love. And helping the majority of people to do so, is an act of love. Love for oneself, love for our families and friends, and love for all peoples. Love is also social and political. There is social love and political love. It is universal, always overflowing with small, individual gestures, capable of transforming and improving societies.
“Getting vaccinated is a simple yet profound way to care for one another, especially the most vulnerable. I pray to God that each one of us can make his or her own small gesture of love. No matter how small, love is always grand. Small gestures for a better future.”
In the same video, Archbishop of Los Angeles José Gómez, president of the US bishops, says: “The terrible coronavirus pandemic has caused illness, death and suffering across the entire world. May God grant us the grace to face it with the strength of faith, ensuring that vaccines are available for all, so that we can all get immunised.”
Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, Archbishop of Mexico City, says: “As we prepare for a better future, as a global, interconnected community, we want to spread hope to all without exception. From North to South America we support vaccination for all.”
Cardinal Rodríguez Maradiaga SDB, Archbishop of Tegucigalpa in Honduras and former president of Caritas Internationalis, says: “There is still much to learn about this virus but one thing is true: the authorised vaccines are effective and are here to save lives. They are the key to (a) path of personal and universal healing.”
Cardonal Cláudio Hummes OFM of Brazil says: “The heroic efforts of health professionals have resulted in safe and effective vaccines to protect the entire human family. Getting vaccinated is an act of love for all, especially the most vulnerable.”
Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez of El Salvador says: “Vaccination helps us protect the most vulnerable. Our choice to get vaccinated affects others. It is a moral responsibility, an act of love for the whole community.”
Archbishop Miguel Cabrejos, of Peru/CELAM, says: “We are united, North, Central, South America and the Caribbean, to promote and support vaccination for all. I encourage you to act responsibly, as members of the great human family, seeking and protecting our integral health and universal vaccination.”
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