Heed Pope Francis

Thank you (The Catholic Commentator) for your recent articles devoted to COVID-19 and the various strategies put in place to arrest the continued spread of this dangerous virus. They offer helpful guidance for Catholics who may be wrestling with the issue of mask wearing and vaccinations for themselves and their family members.

Most people who support masks, social distancing and vaccinations do so out of a concern for their own health and welfare, as well as that of their neighbor. They value the guidance of their family doctor and trust the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Others who oppose these measures appeal to their constitutional freedoms and the primacy of individual conscience. They may have reservations regarding methods used to develop and test the vaccines and whether their use would constitute cooperation with the evil of abortion. 

They may have also been influenced by misinformation regarding the number of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19.

Pope Francis has encouraged all Catholics to receive the vaccine. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has stated that it is morally acceptable to receive the vaccine and that use of the vaccine does not constitute formal cooperation with abortion. Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict have both been vaccinated.

Catholics may, as a matter of conscience, refuse to take the vaccine, but they would then have the responsibility to avoid endangering those who are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons and are therefore more vulnerable to serious illness.

When we, as Catholics, promote a stance opposite of that of the current Holy Father, the previous Holy Father and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, then we might rightfully question whether our consciences are more formed by the magisterium of the church or by the prevailing ideology of partisan politics.

I recognize the good will and sincere faith of people on all sides of this critical issue. I pray that we may remain united as the body of Christ even as we debate individual measures and policies.

Father Matt Lorrain

Pastor St. John the Baptist Church in Brusly