Pope Francis wore face mask for first time in public

Pope Francis, who was seen with a face mask in public for the first time on Wednesday, warned that no one should seek political benefits from the pandemic and urged those who develop vaccines not to see it as an opportunity to make a profit.

The Pope held a General Audience in the presence of the faithful for the second time after six months of streaming the weekly event from his private library. For the first time, he wore a white face mask as he arrived by car and occasionally used hand antiseptic which was handed to him by a personal assistant.

The Pope called on about 500 faithful who had gathered to stay in their places and to maintain social distancing, and told them that the pandemic should prompt everyone to work for the common good. “Unfortunately, we see partisan interests emerging. For example, some would like to appropriate possible solutions for themselves, as in the case of vaccines, to then sell them to others. Some are taking advantage of the situation to instigate divisions: by seeking economic or political advantages, generating or exacerbating conflicts,” he said without introducing additional clarifications.

The pope described those who are unaware of the sufferings caused by the coronavirus as “devotees of Pontius Pilate, washing their hands of others’ suffering.” He commented, however, that, although “politics do not often have a good reputation,” there have been many “many holy” politicians in history “who trod this path.” But he did not name anyone.

Source: ANA-MPA

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EN: The Christian response to the pandemic and to the consequent socio-economic crisis is based on love, above all, love of God who always precedes us (1 Jn 4:19). When we welcome this divine love, then we can respond similarly. #GeneralAudience PT: A resposta cristã à pandemia e às consequentes crises socioeconómicas baseia-se no amor, antes de tudo, no amor de Deus que sempre nos precede (1 Jo 4, 19). Quando aceitamos este amor divino, então podemos responder de forma semelhante. #AudiênciaGeral ES: La respuesta cristiana a la pandemia y a las consecuentes crisis socio-económicas se basa en el amor, ante todo el amor de Dios que siempre nos precede (1 Jn 4, 19). Cuando acogemos este amor divino, entonces podemos responder de forma parecida. #AudienciaGeneral IT: La risposta cristiana alla pandemia e alle conseguenti crisi socio-economiche si basa sull’amore, anzitutto l’amore di Dio che sempre ci precede (1 Gv 4,19). Quando accogliamo questo amore divino, allora possiamo rispondere in maniera simile. #UdienzaGenerale FR: La réponse chrétienne à la pandémie et aux conséquentes crises socio-économiques se base sur l’amour, tout d'abord l'amour de Dieu qui nous précède toujours (1 Jn 4, 19). Quand nous accueillons cet amour divin, alors nous pouvons répondre de manière semblable. #AudienceGénérale PL: Chrześcijańska odpowiedź na pandemię i wynikający z niej kryzys opiera się na miłości, przede wszystkim na miłości Boga, który zawsze nas uprzedza (1 J 4, 19). Kiedy przyjmiemy tę miłość, to wówczas możemy odpowiedzieć w podobny sposób. #AudiencjaOgólna

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