Pope Francis criticizes people going on holiday to avoid COVID-19 lockdowns

The Head of the Catholic Church Pope Francis has condemned people who travelled abroad for a vacation and avoid COVID-19 lockdowns, adding that holidaymakers were not considering the effect of their actions on others.

Pope Francis said he was "saddened" by news reports claiming that people were flying abroad to have fun amid the pandemic.

He said these were good people, but they didn't think about those who were staying at home, the economic problems of many people who have been hit hard by the lockdown and the sick people.

Pope Francis held his Sunday prayers from the Apostolic Palace library, rather than from the usual window overlooking St. Peter's Square where crowds would usually gather to limit the spread of the virus.

Many countries around the world are facing renewed lockdowns and travel restrictions, with 84 million people now infected by the virus.

At least 1.83 million people have died, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University.

[Source: CNN]