Pope Francis on Health Care

Coronavirus vaccine morally ok even if from fetal research

The Vatican earlier this month said the use of coronavirus vaccines is "morally acceptable," even if some vaccines are manufactured using "cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process."

Francis, who turned 84 earlier this month, urged that everyone who needs a vaccine have access to it. "I cannot place myself ahead of others, letting the law of the marketplace and patents take precedence over the law of love and the health of humanity," Francis said. "I ask everyone-- government leaders, businesses, international organizations--to foster cooperation and not competition, and to seek a solution for everyone: vaccines for all, especially for the most vulnerable and needy of all regions of the planet."

No vaccine nationalism: coronavirus vaccines for all

"I beg everyone, heads of state, companies and international organisations to promote cooperation and not competition, to find a solution for everyone--vaccines for all--especially for the most vulnerable and needy in all areas of the planet," he said.

Francis also appeared to criticise people who have refused to wear masks because it violates their freedom: "And neither can we allow the virus of radical individualism to triumph over us and make us indifferent to the suffering of other brothers and sisters," he said.

COVID: Midnight Mass at 7:30 to comply with curfew