Pope Francis, at the Vatican on December 8, 2020. -
Andrew Medichini / AP / SIPA
Vatican employees who refuse to be vaccinated against the coronavirus risk penalties up to and including dismissal, according to a decree made public this Thursday by the Vatican City State, which employs around 5,000 people.
An employee who does not have proven medical contraindications and refuses the administration of a vaccine against Covid-19 risks "more or less important consequences which may go as far as the termination of the employment relationship", provides this text.
Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI already vaccinated
The decree, which refers to the sanctions provided for in a Vatican law of 2011, also concerns candidates for a position within the Vatican, who may not be hired if they refuse to be vaccinated.
Its introduction mentions "the actions immediately necessary to respond to the pandemic" and underlines that "the refusal of the vaccine can also constitute a risk for others" and "seriously increase the risks for public health".
A table details a number of other penalties.
Failure to wear a mask and failure to respect safety distances can be subject to fines ranging from 25 to 50 euros, and the violation of the quarantine provides for fines of up to 1,500 euros.
The Vatican started a free vaccination campaign for all its employees in January.
Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI have already been vaccinated.
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