Pope's Easter Message Has a Note of Anger

Francis calls it 'scandalous' that armed conflicts continue even during a pandemic
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Apr 4, 2021 8:47 AM CDT
Pope's Easter Message Has a Note of Anger
Pope Francis celebrates Easter Mass at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.   (Filippo Monteforte/Pool photo via AP)

During his traditional Easter address, Pope Francis denounced as “scandalous” Sunday how warfare continues to rage around the world even amid a pandemic, per the AP. Francis tempered his wishes of joy on the Christian feast day with accounts of pain from the globe's many armed conflicts and other sources of violence in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Eastern Europe. He also appealed anew to the international community to overcome delays in distributing COVID-19 vaccines and to ensure supplies reach the poorest countries. “Everyone, especially the most vulnerable among us, requires assistance and has the right to have access to necessary care." the pontiff said.

Describing vaccines as an ”essential tool" in the pandemic battle, Francis called for a “spirit of global responsibility” as he encouraged nations to overcome "delays in the distribution of vaccines and to facilitate their distribution, especially in the the poorest countries.” He sounded a note of indignation at the start of his address, decrying that there has been no shortage of warfare during the pandemic. “The pandemic is still spreading, while the social and economic crisis remains severe, especially for the poor. Nevertheless—and this is scandalous—armed conflicts have not ended, and military arsenals are being strengthened,'' Francis said, sounding angry. “This is today's scandal.”

(More Pope Francis stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X