[GTranslate]VATICAN CITY – Stop conflicts, stop wars: let’s think of the poorest and overcome the delays in the distribution of anti-Covid vaccines. This, in a nutshell, is the message of Pope Francis broadcast worldwide from St. Peter’s Basilica on the occasion of Easter. “Risen Christ – said the Pontiff ( in the photo , during the message” Urbi et Orbi “) – is hope for those who still suffer in cause of the pandemic, for the sick and for those who have lost a loved one. May the Lord give them comfort and support the labors of doctors and nurses. Everyone, especially the most fragile people, needs assistance and has the right to have access to care This is even more evident in this time when we are all called to fight the pandemic and vaccines are an essential tool for this fight “.

Hence the appeal to the international community: “In the spirit of an internationalism of vaccines, I urge the entire international community to a shared commitment to overcome the delays in their distribution and facilitate their sharing, especially with the poorest countries “.

Bergoglio insisted a lot on the poor people. “The pandemic is still in full swing; the social and economic crisis is very heavy, especially for the poorest; despite this, and it is scandalous, armed conflicts do not cease and military arsenals are strengthened. And this is today’s scandal”. And, speaking of weapons, the Pope asked that all the parties involved in the wars taking place around the world “effectively commit themselves to putting an end to conflicts and allowing exhausted peoples to live in peace and to start the reconstruction of their respective countries”.

Finally, a thought about the rules imposed, even on religion, by the pandemic. “Also this year, in various places, many Christians celebrated Easter with severe limitations and, sometimes, without even being able to access liturgical celebrations. We pray – the Pope said – that such limitations, as well as any limitation to freedom of worship and religion in the world, may be removed and everyone be allowed to pray and praise God freely”, the Pope’s warning.

Watch the full video of the message “Urbi et Orbi” (source: Vatican News)