Pope Francis says getting vaccinated is an 'act of love'
Pope Francis has appeared in a new ad campaign encouraging viewers to "care for one another" by getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
Francis spoke out to encourage COVID-19 vaccination in a public service ad released by the non-profit group Ad Council, which also includes messages in support of vaccination from a group of cardinals and archbishops, The New York Times reports.
"Getting the vaccines that are authorized by the respective authorities is an act of love," Pope Francis says. "And helping the majority of people to do so is an act of love. Love for oneself, love for our families and friends, and love for all peoples."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Francis adds that getting vaccinated is "a simple yet profound way to care for one another, especially the most vulnerable," and "I pray to God that each one of us can make his or her own small gesture of love." He also says that COVID-19 vaccines "bring hope to end the pandemic, but only if they are available to all and if we collaborate with one another."
The comments from Francis, who previously suggested getting vaccinated was a moral obligation, come amid a rise in COVID-19 cases globally due to the spread of the more contagious Delta variant. Ad Council said this is its first campaign to be "designed for and distributed to a global audience," and it hopes Francis' message can provide a boost of confidence in vaccination.
"To the world's billion-plus Catholics, the pope is one of the most trusted messengers and holds unparalleled influence," Ad Council President Lisa Sherman said. "We are extremely grateful to him and the Cardinals and Archbishops for lending their voices and platforms to help people across the globe feel more confident in the vaccines."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
'Elevating Earth Day into a national holiday is not radical — it's practical'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
UAW scores historic win in South at VW plant
Speed Read Volkswagen workers in Tennessee have voted to join the United Auto Workers union
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - April 22, 2024
Cartoons Monday's cartoons - dystopian laughs, WNBA salaries, and more
By The Week US Published
-
The Vatican's stand on gender-affirming care
Speed Read A new published document condemns gender transition, calling it a threat to human dignity
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
The potential consequences of Pope Francis' call for a ban on surrogacy
Talking Point Francis called the practice 'despicable' and a 'commercialization' of pregnancy
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
The Vatican's same-sex blessing approval: What is Pope Francis doing?
Today's Big Question The pope rocked the Catholic world by giving the green light to blessing same-sex couples, with plenty of caveats
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Vatican half-embraces transgender Catholic godparents, wedding witnesses
Under the Radar Pope Francis signed off on a series of clarifications about the roles LGBTQ Catholics can play in the church, with ample theological fine print
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Pope, the ‘false prophet’, and the battle for Argentina
feature Opinion has been split on whether the pontiff's intervention into politics in his home nation is appropriate
By Rebekah Evans Published
-
The United Methodist Church has lost 20% of U.S. congregations in schism over LGBTQ rules
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Pope Francis investigates Texas bishop, accepts early resignation of embattled Tennessee prelate
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Southern Baptists expel Saddleback, 2nd church over female pastors, approve further clampdown
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published