Pope Francis wept as he prayed for peace in the center of Rome on Thursday ukraine During an annual Christmas visit to venerate a statue of the Virgin Mary near the Spanish Steps.
Francis bowed and choked when he reached the part of the prayer where he said: “I would love to thank the Ukrainian people for you…”
As the crowd of thousands of dignitaries, clergy and ordinary Romans realized that the Pope was overwhelmed with emotion, they encouraged him to continue with thunderous applause.
After a long pause, Francis continued the prayer, starting where he had left off: “… Ukrainian people for the peace we have prayed to the Lord for so long. Instead I wish you that martyr.” The pleas of the children of the land, the elders, the mothers and fathers and the young people, must be presented, who are suffering greatly.
The moment came during the Pope’s annual visit to the Spanish Steps, which is celebrated on December 8, dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. The event marks the unofficial start of the Christmas season in Italy.
read all breaking news Here