By Verghese V Joseph –
Vatican: Calling it an act of love toward others, the Holy Father on Wednesday urged people across the world to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
In a video produced in collaboration with the Ad Council, Pope Francis launched an inspiring appeal for people to get vaccinated. “In a brotherly spirit, I join in this message of hope for a brighter future. Thanks to God and to the work of many, we now have vaccines to protect us from COVID-19. They grant us the hope of ending the pandemic, but only if they are available to all and if we work together, he said.
The Pope stated that being vaccinated with vaccines authorized by the competent authorities was an act of love. “Contributing to ensure the majority of people are vaccinated is an act of love. Love for oneself, love for one’s family and friends, love for all people. Love is also social and political, there is social love and political love; it is universal, always overflowing with small gestures of personal charity capable of transforming and improving societies (cf. Laudato si’ , no. 231, cf. Fratelli tutti , 184).”
“Vaccination is a simple but profound way of promoting the common good and caring for each other, especially the most vulnerable. I pray to God that everyone may contribute their own small grain of sand, their own small gesture of love; no matter how small, love is always great. Contribute with these small gestures for a better future. God bless you, and thank you,” he added.
In the video, the Pope was joined by several Cardinals and Archbishops from across the Americas.
Archbishop Jose Gomez, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Archbishop of Los Angeles, spoke on the suffering and death due to the pandemic.
In his plea, Mexican Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes said Covid-19 jabs to a better future for all. “From North to South America, we support vaccinations for all,” said the Cardinal.
Honduran Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga said the world has much to learn from the coronavirus.
“But one thing is certain: the authorized vaccines are effective, and are here to save lives,” he said. “They are the key to a path of personal and universal healing.”
Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes lauded the health professionals in developing “safe and effective” vaccines.
Salvadorian Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chavez said vaccination helps protect the most vulnerable. “Our choice to get vaccinated affects others,” he said, adding that it is a moral responsibility.
Peruvian Archbishop Miguel Cabrejos sounded the unity call, saying, “We are united—North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean—to promote and support vaccination for all,” he said, encouraging everyone to “act responsibly, as members of the great human family, seeking and protecting our integral health and universal vaccination.”