Pope Francis in National Public Radio

On Health Care: Coronavirus vaccine morally ok even if from fetal research

The Vatican earlier this month said the use of coronavirus vaccines is "morally acceptable," even if some vaccines are manufactured using "cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process."

Francis, who turned 84 earlier this month, urged that everyone who needs a vaccine have access to it. "I cannot place myself ahead of others, letting the law of the marketplace and patents take precedence over the law of love and the health of humanity," Francis said. "I ask everyone-- government leaders, businesses, international organizations--to foster cooperation and not competition, and to seek a solution for everyone: vaccines for all, especially for the most vulnerable and needy of all regions of the planet."

On Environment: Protect the Amazon region's cultural and natural vibrancy

Laying out what he calls his four "dreams" for the region, Francis called for "an Amazon region that 'fights for the rights of the poor,' that 'preserves its distinctive cultural riches,' that 'jealously preserves its overwhelming natural beauty' and lastly, that the Christian communities might be 'capable of generous commitment, incarnate in the Amazon region,' " as the official Vatican News reports.

On Families & Children: Not ready for married priests, nor female deacons

The proposals came out of a special Synod of Bishops last October. Deacons are allowed to oversee weddings and baptisms but are not permitted to consecrate the Communion wafer and wine. A critical shortage of priests has hobbled Catholics' ability to celebrate sacraments in the Amazon. Pope Francis [released] a document titled Querida Amazonia--or "Dear Amazon."

"Priests are necessary, but this does not mean that permanent deacons (of whom there should be many more in the Amazon region), religious women and lay persons cannot regularly assume important responsibilities for the growth of communities," Francis wrote. The pope added that women "should have access to positions, including ecclesial services, that do not entail Holy Orders."