Pope pleads coronavirus vaccine access for all

Pope Francis in a Christmas Day address delivered online for the first time from a lectern in a chamber inside the Vatican, the pontiff warned against putting up walls to treatments  by calling on world leaders to ensure unfettered access to coronavirus vaccines for everyone.

The pandemic meant this year the annual Urbi et Orbi message was not presented form the balcony at St Peter’s Basilica to huge crowds, as is tradition.

The concerns that wealthier countries are buying up disproportionate doses of vaccines to the detriment of poorer ones.

“May the Son of God renew in political and government leaders a spirit of international cooperation, starting with health care, so that all will be ensured access to vaccines and treatment. In the face of a challenge that knows no borders, we cannot erect walls . All of us are in the same boat. The effects of the health crisis showed the need for global unity was greater than ever. AS this moment in history marked by the ecological crisis and grave economic and social imbalances only worsened by the coronavirus pandemic, it is all the more important for us to acknowledge one another as brothers and sisters”. he said.

He also called for generosity and support to victims of the pandemic singling gout women suffering domestic violence during lockdown.

The pontiff also called for peace and reconciliation in Syria, Yemen, Libya, Nagorno-Karabakh, South Sudan, Nigeria, Cameroon and Iraq.

In March, the Pontiff is due to visit Iraq, a first such trip to the war-torn country by Pope.