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ROME
Pope Francis on Friday called for international cooperation to ensure that all people have access to vaccines and treatment amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a traditional Christmas speech that he delivered in the Apostolic Palace for the COVID-19 measures, the Pope prayed: “May the Son of God renew in political and governmental leaders a spirit of international cooperation, beginning with medical care so that all have assured access to vaccines and treatment. “
“At this moment in history, marked by the ecological crisis and serious economic and social imbalances only aggravated by the coronavirus pandemic, it is even more important that we recognize ourselves as brothers and sisters,” he added.
Emphasizing that children pay a high price for war, especially in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, he said Christmas is a favorable time to ease tensions across the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean.
He also prayed for the healing of the wounds of the Syrian people, “who for a decade have been devastated by the war and its consequences, now aggravated by the pandemic.”
“May he bring comfort to the Iraqi people and all those involved in reconciliation work, and particularly to the Yazidis, who have been sorely tested by these past years of war,” he said.
He prayed for peace to come to Libya and for Israelis and Palestinians to regain mutual trust and seek a just and lasting peace through dialogue.
He also encouraged the people of Lebanon not to lose hope amid the difficulties they currently face.
The Pope also urged the international community and the countries involved to continue the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as in the eastern regions of Ukraine.
He also prayed for the people of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, who are experiencing a humanitarian crisis, and called for an end to the violence in Ethiopia.
Speaking about natural disasters in Southeast Asia, especially in the Philippines and Vietnam, Pope also said, “When I think of Asia, I cannot forget the Rohingya people,” praying that they have hope in the midst of their suffering.
* Writing and contribution by Iclal Turan in Ankara.
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