“We share the emotions of Pope Francis who mentioned that getting vaccinated is an ethical obligation, one that may save your life and the lives of others,” the President mentioned in a
video posted on his Twitter account. “By getting vaccinated and inspiring your congregations and your communities to get vaccinated, we not solely can beat this virus, we are able to additionally haste the day after we can have a good time the vacations collectively.”
The primary woman mentioned there’s “hope throughout us” and talked about households receiving monetary assist, companies recovering and a rise in People receiving vaccinations towards the virus.
The message from the Bidens comes as well being officers race to vaccinate as many People as doable amid concern over a possible fourth wave of coronavirus infections. The US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention reported Saturday that greater than 4 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine had been reported administered in 24 hours, setting a brand new file and bringing the seven-day common to greater than 3 million a day. Throughout the nation, greater than 161 million doses have been administered, based on company knowledge.
Biden is the second Catholic president in US historical past, and weekly Mass is anticipated to be a hard and fast a part of his schedule. That is a stage of devotion to common non secular companies not seen from current presidents, who have been professed Christians however intermittently attended church or worshipped privately whereas in workplace.
The President, who’s spending the vacation at Camp David along with his household, empathized with households throughout the nation who aren’t celebrating collectively due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The virus will not be gone and so many people nonetheless really feel the longing and loneliness of distance,” Biden mentioned. “For a second 12 months, most shall be aside from their households, buddies, full congregations that fill us with pleasure. But because the Gospel of John reminds us, the sunshine shines within the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Vice President Kamala Harris additionally
released a video wishing the nation a contented Easter, saying there’s “at all times purpose for hope.”
“Right now, we’re celebrating hope and our religion in renewal. Hope within the variety of folks now vaccinated, now safer from this virus,” Harris mentioned. “Hope within the youngsters who’re going again to high school for the primary time in a 12 months. Hope within the grandparents who’re capable of hug their grandchildren for the primary time in a 12 months. Hope for a brighter tomorrow for us all.”
She added that subsequent 12 months, Biden and the primary woman are wanting ahead to beginning the White Home’s annual Easter Egg Roll that was canceled as soon as once more due to the pandemic.
CNN’s Chandelis Duster, Madeline Holcombe and Ray Sanchez contributed to this report.