The Catholic Church on Foetal Cells

NO foetal cells are present in any of the vaccines.

Several vaccine candidates were developed using cells

derived from foetuses aborted decades ago.

The use of Covid-19 vaccines developed using cell lines derived from aborted foetuses is

"morally acceptable"

the Catholic Church announced on Monday.

In the absence of any alternative, such vaccines "can be used in good conscience"

It added that this would "not constitute formal co-operation" with the terminations that took place.

the Vatican said.

"All vaccinations recognised as clinically safe and effective can be used in good conscience

with the certain knowledge that the use of such vaccines does not constitute formal co-operation

with the abortion from which the cells used in production of the vaccines derive,"

The Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

announced in a statement on Monday.

The text, which was approved by Pope Francis, also said there was

"a moral imperative"

to ensure that poorer countries received access to effective vaccines.

The issue of whether to accept a coronavirus vaccine has divided some members of the clergy

with the US Conference of Catholic Bishops

arguing in favour last week !

The inoculations produced by BioNTech and Moderna, which both used a cell line derived from an aborted foetus

to test their vaccines

were preferable

to the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, which used such cells

in the design, development, production and testing stages.

"it would be permissible to accept the AstraZeneca vaccine"

Where no choice was available, the document said.

The news of the Vatican's decision on the issue came as AFP news agency reported

that two cardinals close to Pope Francis

had tested positive for coronavirus.

Pope Francis has called on world leaders to ensure unfettered access to coronavirus vaccines for everyone.

In a Christmas Day address delivered online for the first time,

the pontiff warned against putting up "walls" to treatments.

The pandemic meant this year the annual Urbi et Orbi message was not presented from the balcony

at St Peter's Basilica to huge crowds, as is tradition.

Instead the Pope spoke from a lectern in a chamber inside the Vatican.