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On Sunday, Pope Francis conveyed an important message to military personnel, police officers, and other law enforcement representatives from across the globe, emphasizing that armed force must solely be a means of legitimate protection and should always adhere to international standards.
This public appearance marked the pope’s first since he was diagnosed with bronchitis on Thursday. He officiated an open-air Jubilee Mass dedicated to members of the armed forces and security agencies. However, after delivering a few initial remarks, he entrusted his homily to an assistant due to difficulties in breathing.
“I want to highlight the Church’s teachings on this matter: According to the Second Vatican Council, individuals who serve in military roles must see themselves as guardians of their nation’s safety and liberty,” Francis stated during his concluding prayer.
“Military service should only be carried out for justifiable defense, never used as a means of dominance over other countries while consistently following international conflict regulations,” he noted.
Pope Francis also made a renewed call for global peace by referencing various ongoing disputes worldwide including those in Ukraine, various regions in the Middle East, Myanmar, and Sudan.
“Let there be silence upon all weapons and let us amplify the voices of those yearning for peace,” urged Francis.
The image captures Pope Francis leading prayers during the mass held on February 9th, 2025. (Photo by Alessandra Tarantino/AP)
Despite being diagnosed with bronchitis last Thursday, Pope Francis continued engaging with visitors at Casa Santa Marta—the Vatican residence—up until Sunday.
The pope has faced numerous health challenges over time that include persistent episodes of bronchitis. He relies on a walker or cane when navigating through his home and has encountered recent falls that resulted in injuries to his arm and chin.
The state of Pope Francis’s health remains an ongoing topic among Vatican insiders; this is particularly true following Pope Benedict XVI’s unprecedented resignation from papacy in 2013—something not seen for six centuries. However, Pope Francis has reassured everyone that he does not intend to step down anytime soon; despite Benedict having “opened up” such possibilities beforehand. In his recently released autobiography “Hope,” published this month ,the pope revealed that resignation had never crossed his mind—even after major surgeries like one involving intestinal issues.
