It is going to take us a long time to forget the pandemic. May we not forget some of the things it has taught us, either. On one hand, there is “the self-giving and generosity of health care workers, volunteers, support staff, priests, and religious men and women.” On the other, there’s the importance of public health care.

Francis reminds us of it with these words: “The poorest countries, the most vulnerable countries, cannot access the necessary treatments to treat the countless diseases they continue to suffer.” Therefore, he asks governments “not to forget that good healthcare, accessible to all, is a priority.”

Let us join in his petition and may each one of us spread this message however we are able. Let us pray this month for health care workers.