|
 In his message for the Roman Catholic Church's World Day of Peace,
which is celebrated on Jan. 1, Francis also repeated a call for the
establishment of a global fund with money slated for weapons to be
used instead to help eradicate poverty.
The annual message, this year titled "A Culture of Care as a Path to
Peace," is traditionally sent to heads of state, government,
international organisations and other religions.
"How many resources are spent on weaponry, especially nuclear
weapons, that could be used for more significant priorities such as
ensuring the safety of individuals, the promotion of peace and
integral human development, the fight against poverty, and the
provision of health care." Francis said.
"Global problems like the present COVID-19 pandemic and climate
change have only made these challenges all the more evident," he
added.
Under Pope Francis, the Roman Catholic Church has hardened is stance
against nuclear weapons and called for their total abolition. In
2017, he said countries should not stockpile them even for the
purpose of deterrence.
"What a courageous decision it would be to establish a 'Global Fund'
with the money spent on weapons and other military expenditures, in
order to permanently eliminate hunger and contribute to the
development of the poorest countries,' he said.
[to top of second column] |
 Francis, who has repeatedly
condemned so-called "vaccine nationalism", said
the poorest nations should not be left behind in
the fight against coronavirus.
"I renew my appeal to political leaders and the
private sector to spare no effort to ensure
access to COVID-19 vaccines and to the essential
technologies needed to care for the sick, the
poor and those who are most vulnerable," he
said.
He paid tribute to medical staff and other
front-line workers who risked their lives by
helping coronavirus victims, especially those
who died in the process.
"In the face of the pandemic, we have realized
that we are in the same boat, all of us fragile
and disoriented, but at the same time important
and needed, all of us called to row together,"
he said.
(Reporting by Philip Pullella. Editing by Mark
Potter)
[© 2020 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2020 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
 |
