Pope Francis
Pope Francis appears after missing New Year’s Mass due to grief condemned people who traveled abroad to avoid coronavirus restrictions in their home countries during their Sunday prayer.
The pope said he was “saddened” after hearing news that people were flying abroad for fun while the world dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, according to CNN.
“They are good people, but they did not think about those who stayed at home, about the economic problems of many people who have been hard hit by the closure, of the sick people,” Pope Francis said.
“[They thought] just to go on vacation and have fun. That hurt me a lot, ”the pope told CNN.
Pope Francis said his Sunday prayer in the library of the Apostolic Palace instead of his window outside St. Peter’s Square to prevent crowds from gathering.
“What each of us, and all together, can do is commit a little more to caring for each other and what was created, our common home,” he said in his New Year’s message, according to CNN.
The pope’s statements come as the world faces more than 85 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 1.8 million fatalities, with the United States with more cases of more than 20 million and more. of 350,000 dead, according to Johns Hopkins University.
His message was in line with his Christmas speech calling for COVID-19 vaccines to be made available. “The most vulnerable and needy.”
Pope Francis missed New Year’s services last week due to chronic pain, but spoke later on New Year’s Day.