He mentioned Ukraine: Pope unable to finish homily due to health problems

Pope Francis was unable to complete his homily on Sunday, February 9, due to health reasons. He had trouble breathing due to severe bronchitis.

In his sermon, the pontiff mentioned Ukraine. Details are reported by ANSA.

On Sunday, February 9, in St. Peter's Square, the Pope preached a sermon on the occasion of the anniversary of the armed forces, police and security forces. However, he personally read only the beginning of the sermon. The rest of the text was delivered by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of the Pontifical Liturgical Ceremonies.

"Now I apologize and ask my assistant to continue reading because I am having difficulty breathing," said 87-year-old Francis, who is currently treating a severe form of bronchitis.

In this sermon, the Pope called on the military and security forces not to forget the purpose of their service: "to promote life, to save life, to always defend life."

"Be vigilant against the temptation to cultivate a spirit of war; be vigilant not to be seduced by the myth of power and the sound of weapons; be vigilant not to be infected by the poison of hate propaganda," he emphasized.

In his speech to the security pilgrims from more than a hundred countries, the Pope called the military "servants of security and freedom of peoples" and emphasized that they should exercise legitimate self-defense, but not serve as a tool to achieve domination over other nations.

The pontiff also called on the faithful to pray for peace in countries at war. He asked to offer prayers, in particular, for "suffering Ukraine."

"Let weapons be silenced everywhere, and let the cry of the peoples who ask for peace be heard," Pope Francis emphasized.

Earlier, the Pope called on Ukrainian youth to forgive their enemies, because, according to the pontiff, "forgiveness is the most important thing of all."

He also called for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. He believes that a just and lasting peace must be achieved, and that it takes great courage to "open the door to negotiations."

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