Pope Francis

Pope Francis criticizes people who go on vacation to flee COVID restrictions

Pope Francis on Sunday called out people who chose to go on vacation to escape COVID-19 restrictions.

During a video address on Sunday, the Pope said that he had read stories about people leaving on vacation to flee government mandates and seek fun elsewhere, Reuters reported.

“This really saddened me,” the pope said.

“They didn’t think about those who were staying at home, of the economic problems of many people who have been hit hard by the lockdown, of the sick people. (They thought) only about going on holiday and having fun,” the pope continued.

“We don’t know what 2021 will reserve for us, but what all of us can do together is make a bit more of an effort to take care of each other. There is the temptation to take care only of our own interests,” the Pope added.

Traditionally, the Angelus blessing is held from a window that overlooks St. Peter’s Square. However, due to the coronavirus, the blessing was held indoors to prevent crowds from gathering.