Vatican Ailing Pope warns police against "myth of violence"
Pope Francis has warned soldiers, police officers and other security forces against being seduced by a "myth of violence" and the "noise of weapons". They should never lose sight of the goal of their service - "to promote life, to save life, to always defend life", emphasized the head of the Catholic Church.
09.02.2025, 19:47
SDA
Due to a bronchitis he has been suffering from for several days, the Pope only read the beginning of the sermon himself and left the reading of the text to a member of his staff. "And now I apologize and ask the master of ceremonies to take over the reading due to my breathing difficulties," said the 88-year-old pontiff. The faithful in St. Peter's Square then applauded.
Pope often ailing in winter months
Due to his ailing health, Francis has had to change his program several times in the past. In the winter months, his respiratory tract in particular has been causing him problems for some time now.
The reason for the mass in St. Peter's Square was a pilgrimage event for the police and armed forces to mark the Holy Year of the Catholic Church. More than 25,000 people gathered for the mass in the square in front of St. Peter's Basilica. Francis thanked the security forces from more than 100 countries for their work for the community, sometimes at great personal risk.
