Pope slams ‘scandalous’ global wars

POPE FRANCIS has used his traditional Easter Sunday address to denounce as “scandalous” how armed conflicts continue to rage on around the world even as the coronavirus pandemic has triggered severe social and economic suffering.

Francis, above, tempered his “Urbi et Orbi” wishes of joy on the Christian feast day along with accounts of pain from the globe’s many armed conflicts in Africa, the Middle East, 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,” the pontiff said.