ROME -- The Vatican is taking Pope Francis’ pro-vaccine stance very seriously: Any Vatican employee who refuses to get a coronavirus shot without a valid medical reason risks being fired. The Vatican is an absolute monarchy in the heart of Rome that operates independently of Italian law and Italian labor protections. The Vatican's doctrine office has judged it morally acceptable for Catholics to receive COVID-19 vaccines, including those that relied on research that used cells derived from aborted fetuses. Francis himself has received both of the needed doses, and the Vatican has expanded its vaccine offerings to also cover homeless people in the area. Francis has frequently spoken about the need to ensure that vaccines are widely available, especially to the poor and marginalized.

Source: ABC News February 18, 2021 15:39 UTC