Pope decries wars amid pandemic

Pope Francis in his traditional Easter Sunday address denounced as “scandalous” how armed conflicts continue to rage even as the coronavirus pandemic has triggered severe social and economic suffering and swollen the ranks of the poor.

Francis tempered his “Urbi et Orbi address (Latin for “To the City and to the World”) wishes of joy on the Christian holy day with accounts of pain from the many global armed conflicts: in Africa, the Mideast, Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe.

Describing vaccines as an “essential tool” in the pandemic battle, Francis called for a “spirit of global responsibility” as he encouraged nations to overcome “delays in the distribution of vaccines” and ensure that the shots reach the poorest nations.

“Everyone, especially the most vulnerable among us, requires assistance and has the right to have access to necessary care,” he said.

He sounded a note of indignation at the start, pointing out that there has been no shortage of war and conflict during the world’s worst health crisis in a century.

“The pandemic is still spreading, while the social and economic crisis remains severe, especially for the poor. Nevertheless — and this is scandalous — armed conflicts have not ended, and military arsenals are being strengthened,’‘ Francis said, sounding angry. “That is today’s scandal.”

The pontiff prayed that authorities would see that those needing assistance have a “decent standard of living.”