Pope Francis strongly criticized people on Sunday who traveled abroad to escape the coronavirus blockades, saying it showed a lack of awareness and compassion.
The pope spoke during his weekly noon blessing, which is usually given from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square. The blessing was moved indoors to discourage large crowds during the pandemic.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 20: Pope Francis delivers his speech during an International Prayer for Peace Meeting “Nobody is saved alone – Peace and Fraternity” at the Roman Basilica of Aracoeli on October 20, 2020 in Rome, Italy. (Vatican Pool photo / Getty Images)
The pope highlighted the selfishness of what he read in the news, saying it “saddened” him.
“They did not think about those who were staying at home, about the economic problems of many people who were hit hard by the blockade, about the sick,” said Pope Francis, according to Reuters.
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“(They thought) just to go on vacation and have fun.
“We don’t know what 2021 has in store for us, but what we can all do together is to do a little more to take care of each other,” added the pope. “There is a temptation to look after our own interests only.”
The Pope spoke on similar topics on New Year’s Day, during the traditional Angelus blessing, fighting the pain in his nerves to deliver the speech.
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During this year’s speech, he called for peace, saying that “the pandemic has taught us how much it is necessary to interest us in the problems of others and share their concerns”.