Pope on COVID vaccines says health care a ‘moral obligation’

By NICOLE WINFIELD
Associated Press

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis is now speaking about getting the coronavirus vaccination as a “moral obligation.” Francis used some of his strongest words yet calling for people to get vaccinated in a speech to ambassadors accredited to the Holy See on Monday. He denounced how people had been swayed by “baseless information” to refuse one of the most effective measures to save lives.  Francis has generally shied away from speaking about vaccination as a “moral obligation,” though his COVID-19 advisory body has spoken of a “moral responsibility.” On Monday he said individuals had a responsibility to care for themselves “and this translates into respect for the health of those around us.”