Pope Francis urged the World Trade Organization (WTO) to promote safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19 in Africa because “no one is safe until everyone is safe”. The Holy Father emphasized the equitable access to vaccines among the people.
The Pope was speaking on the occasion of the current Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization, the body that is in charge of the global rules that govern trade between countries.
Through his official Twitter account, the Pope joined “the Pan-American and Pan-African committees of judges for social rights” to urge the WTO to “adopt measures that ensure everyone, especially the populations of Africa, access to vaccines against COVID-19”.
In addition, Pope Francis stressed that “equitable access to safe and effective vaccines is crucial to saving lives and livelihoods” for which he indicated that “Africa must not be left behind” since “no one will be safe until everyone is safe.” except”.
On numerous occasions, Pope Francis has called for vaccines for everyone, especially in poor countries.