“We must not allow closed nationalisms to impede us from living as the true human family that we are,” the pope said. “Nor must we allow the virus of radical individualism to defeat us and render us indifferent to the suffering of other brothers and sisters. I cannot put myself before others, putting the laws of the market and patents above the laws of love and the health of humanity.”

“I plead with all the leaders of states, businesses and international organizations to promote cooperation and not competition and to seek a solution for all, vaccines for all, especially the most vulnerable and needy,” he added.

Pope Francis also called for support for “those unemployed or experiencing hardship due to the economic effects of the pandemic, and women who have suffered domestic violence during these months of lockdown.”