“COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and save lives,” the Ad Council stated in an Aug. 17 release.
In the PSA, Pope Francis is heard saying, “Getting the vaccines that are authorized by the respective authorities is an act of love. I pray to God that each one of us can make his or her own small gesture of love, no matter how small, love is always grand.”
The cardinals and archbishops who also make an appearance in the PSA are Archbishop José Horacio Gómez Velasco of Los Angeles; Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes of Mexico City; Cardinal Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa; Cardinal Cláudio Hummes of Sao Paolo; Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez of San Salvador; and Archbishop Héctor Miguel Cabrejos Vidarte of Trujillo.
“To the world’s billion-plus Catholics, the Pope is one of the most trusted messengers and holds unparalleled influence,” said Lisa Sherman, president and CEO of the Ad Council, in the release. “We are extremely grateful to him and the cardinals and archbishops for lending their voices and platforms to help people across the globe feel more confident in the vaccines.”
Recent data shows that 72 percent of the adult American population and 67 percent of Hispanic adults have been vaccinated, according to the release.
“Faith-based leaders and institutions play such a significant role in reminding us of our common humanity,” said John Bridgeland, co-founder and CEO of the COVID Collaborative in the release. “With these powerful words from Pope Francis and the cardinals and archbishops from across the globe, their message will inspire millions to take action to ‘love thy neighbor’ during this pandemic.”
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