Pope Francis said on Saturday that he would receive a COVID-19 vaccination and said it was everyone’s moral obligation to receive it.
“I think ethically, everyone should get the vaccine,” the pontiff told Italian television channel Canale 5. “It’s an ethical choice, because you play with your health, your life, but you also play with life. others. “
The Vatican is launching its vaccination program next week, and Francis has already booked a meeting, the Washington Post reported, citing the television interview.
At 84 and missing part of a lung, the pope is considered high risk. He followed the guidelines of social distancing, but appeared in front of the crowds without a face mask.
In an interview on Sunday, Francis spoke positively about the vaccine – something he has been doing for months.
“I don’t know why some will say, ‘No, the vaccine is dangerous,'” he said. “But if doctors offer it to you as something that can work, that doesn’t pose a special risk, why not take it?” There is a suicidal negativity that I would not know how to explain, but today you have to get the vaccine. “