Emulate the Pope

Sir — It is heartening to learn that Pope Francis has banned sale of cigarettes in The Vatican despite the fact that his decision is going to cost the state exchequer a whopping $11 million earned as profit every year on sale of cigarettes. While announcing his decision, the Pope said that he doesn’t want  the Holy See to be a contributor to an activity that clearly damages the health of the people. At a time when smoking is causing more than seven million deaths annually around the globe, the announcement of the Pontiff to ban cigarettes in his kingdom is a welcome move. What a difference it would make to the entire world if only the leaders and rulers of other states  emulated the Pontiff.