The Vatican released a statement Monday that it would be “morally acceptable” to get a vaccine against COVID-19, even if the research or production of the vaccine involved the use of cell lines derived from aborted fetuses. They named the “great danger” of the pandemic as the reason for the controversial step.
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican ministry charged with promoting and defending church morals and traditions, published a highly cited document that stated in part: “When ethical COVID-19 vaccines are not available , it is morally acceptable to receive COVID-19 vaccines that have used cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process. “
Anyone who objects to the vaccine because of their nature and religion can do so, but the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith stated that these entities “must do their utmost to avoid being caught by other prophylactic means and appropriate behavior The infectious agent becomes the vehicle for the transmission of vaccines. “
The Vatican News reported that Pope Francis approved the text on Thursday.
“In such a case, any vaccination recognized as clinically safe and effective can be used with a clear conscience, knowing that the use of such vaccines is not a formal collaboration with the abortion from which the cells used to manufacture the vaccines come. “Said the report.
“Given the severity of the current pandemic and the lack of availability of alternative vaccines, the reasons for adopting the new COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are serious enough to justify their use,” the US Bishops’ Conference said in its own statement last week.
The US conference said that receiving any of the vaccines “should be understood as an act of charity to other members of our community” and “should be viewed as an act of love for our neighbor and part of our moral responsibility for the common good”.
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