Papal Patronage: A History of Vatican Leadership in Vaccine Science and Public Health

With the , we decided to post the following blog post about the role of the Catholic Church in the history of vaccines ahead of schedule. This post was initially going to be part of a series on the roles of major world religions and vaccination.

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The relationship between the Catholic Church and vaccines spans centuries, marked by consistent support and advocacy from numerous popes. Contrary to some misconceptions, the Vatican has historically championed vaccination efforts, recognizing them as crucial tools for public health. From the earliest days of smallpox inoculation to the development of modern COVID-19 vaccines, papal leadership has played a significant role in promoting vaccine acceptance and accessibility worldwide.

Historical Papal Champions of Early Vaccination

The Catholic Church’s support for vaccination dates back to well before the advent of modern medicine. As early as the 1720s, . (A procedure called variolation involving inoculation with a milder form of smallpox.) A significant milestone occurred in 1757 when , setting a powerful example for Catholics worldwide. This papal action demonstrated an early understanding of the importance of preventive medicine, particularly remarkable given the limited scientific knowledge of the era.

The early 19th century marked a turning point in the Vatican’s approach to public health. In 1822, under Pope Pius VII, . Cardinal Secretary of State Ercole Consalvi issued a detailed decree outlining the vaccination strategy, describing smallpox as a disease that “maliciously robs man of even a minimal life […] and rages against the human species to destroy it at its infancy.” This campaign was revolutionary, as it made the Vatican the first sovereign nation to implement a vaccine mandate. (.)

Pope Pius VII recognized vaccination as “.” His successor, Pope Gregory, continued this tradition by and establishing the Special Congregation of Health in 1834. Throughout the 19th century, priests accompanied people to get the smallpox vaccine. They served as trusted intermediaries between medical authorities and local communities, .

Vatican-Scientific Collaboration Through the Ages

The partnership between Catholic clergy and medical professionals played a crucial role in overcoming vaccine hesitancy. In Italy’s Apulia region in 1810, , with many clergy personally administering vaccines. This collaboration reached its zenith in 1822 with the establishment of municipal vaccination councils that included representatives from the clergy.

, a pioneer of smallpox vaccination in Italy, recognized the essential role of the clergy in building public trust. In 1824, he was awarded membership in the Golden Spur, an honor conferred on those who dedicated themselves to spreading the message of the Church, specifically for his contributions to mass vaccination campaigns. This recognition exemplifies the Vatican’s value and reward for scientific contributions to public health.

Pope Francis and the Modern Vaccine Movement

In our contemporary era, Pope Francis has emerged as a powerful advocate for vaccines, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. When COVID-19 vaccines became available in early 2021, , along with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. This act of leadership sent a clear message about the Vatican’s position on vaccination.

Pope Francis has repeatedly framed vaccination as a moral obligation, calling it “an act of love” in a video message produced in conjunction with the Ad Council. He emphasized that getting vaccinated is “.” When questioned about vaccine skepticism, including among some cardinals, Francis responded with historical perspective: “.”

The pontiff has also emphasized the importance of accurate information, stating that . He has cautioned against “fake news” while encouraging respect for individuals who may hold misconceptions “without full awareness or responsibility.”

In February 2024, Pope Francis . The appointment of Karikó, , was said to represent Pope’s commitment to engaging with cutting-edge scientific research and recognizing its value for humanity.

The Significance for Global Public Health

The consistent support for vaccines from the Vatican throughout history carries profound implications for global health initiatives. Religious authorities often hold substantial influence over their followers’ health decisions. When popes endorse vaccination, they help overcome hesitancy rooted in religious concerns, particularly among the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.

The Catholic Church has carefully addressed ethical questions surrounding vaccines, including those developed or tested using cell lines with remote connections to aborted fetuses. The Vatican has clarified that . This nuanced position strikes a balance between respect for Catholic ethical teachings and pragmatic public health considerations.

At the same time, . As the Archdiocese of San Francisco noted, “Everyone has a responsibility to act in accord with the common good but this does not equate to a general obligation to be vaccinated.” This balanced approach respects individual conscience while encouraging collective responsibility.

Continuing a Legacy of Faith and Science

The centuries-long support for vaccines by successive popes demonstrates the potential harmony between religious faith and scientific advancement. From Pope Benedict XIV’s smallpox inoculation in 1757 to Pope Francis’s COVID-19 vaccination in 2021, papal leaders have consistently recognized that science and faith can work together for the common good and human flourishing.

This history offers a compelling counternarrative to those who perceive tension between religious belief and scientific progress. The Vatican’s sustained commitment to vaccination illustrates how religious institutions can serve as powerful allies in advancing public health initiatives and overcoming misinformation.

As we face ongoing and future health challenges, the historical precedent set by numerous popes provides a foundation for continued collaboration between religious and scientific communities. By understanding this rich history, we gain insight into how influential religious leaders can play a crucial role in addressing global health crises through their moral authority and practical example.

Sources and Additional Reading

• Martini, M., Brigo, F., & Rasori, G. (2022). Vaccination in the 19th century in Italy and the role of the catholic church in public health: a historical overview. Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene, 63(1), E104–E108.
• MD, V. I. (2018, April 5). The catholic church and vaccines. VAXOPEDIA.
• Sisti, L., Sisti, L., Buonsenso, D., Moscato, U., Costanzo, G., & Malorni, W. (2023). The Role of Religions in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), 1691.
• Scarani, P., & Nebuloni, M. (1997). Luigi Sacco e la storia del vaiolo in Italia [Luigi Sacco and the history of smallpox in Italy]. Pathologica, 89(2), 211–214.
• Vaccines for everyone, for the poor: Examples from Pius VII and Pius IX - Vatican News. (2021, May 8).