Pope Francis is scaring all the faithful. The 88-year-old Pope interrupted the reading of his homily during the Mass for the Jubilee of the Armed Forces, Police and Security Forces, celebrated today in St. Peter's Square, due to breathing difficulties.
The Pontiff declared: “Now I apologize, I ask the teacher to continue reading due to breathing difficulties“. Those present gave the Pope a round of applause of encouragement.
Bronchitis aftermath for Pope Francis
In the previous days, Pope Francis had suffered from bronchitis, which prevented him from reading the catechesis during the general audience the previous Wednesday. To continue his activities, he had held audiences at Casa Santa Marta on February 7 and 8. Despite his breathing difficulties, the Pope wanted to preside over the Mass for the Jubilee of the Armed Forces, an event that brought together some 30.000 soldiers and police officers from different countries, including a delegation from the Spanish Army and Guardia Civil.
During the homily, read by the collaborator, the Pope emphasized that military chaplains "do not serve to bless perverse actions of war", but are present as "the presence of Christ" to offer listening, closeness and support in the mission. This interruption of the reading of the homily was viewed with apprehension by the faithful.
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