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Pope Francis called on world leaders to ensure unhindered access to coronavirus vaccines for all.
In a Christmas Day address delivered online for the first time, the pontiff warned against erecting “walls” to treatments.
The pandemic meant that this year the annual Urbi et Orbi message was not presented from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica to a huge crowd, as tradition dictates.
Pope urges access to coronavirus vaccine for all https://t.co/azgvJAso8I
– BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) December 25, 2020
Instead, the Pope spoke of a lectern in a room inside the Vatican.
Pope Francis’ warning comes as richer countries buy disproportionate doses of vaccines at the expense of poorer ones.
“May the Son of God renew among political and government leaders a spirit of international cooperation, starting with health care, so that all have access to vaccines and treatment,” he said.
“Faced with a challenge that knows no borders, we cannot erect walls. We are all in the same boat. “
The Pope said the effects of the health crisis showed the need for global unity was greater than ever.
“At this time in history, marked by the ecological crisis and the serious economic and social imbalances aggravated by the coronavirus pandemic, it is all the more important for us to recognize ourselves as brothers and sisters.
The pontiff called for generosity and support for the victims of the pandemic, identifying women victims of domestic violence during the lockdown.
Turning to other unrest in the world, the Pope called for peace and reconciliation in Syria, Yemen, Libya, Nagorno-Karabakh, South Sudan, Nigeria, Cameroon and Iraq.
He is due to visit Iraq in March as part of what would be the first such trip to the war-torn country by a pontiff.
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