More than 30,000 people flocked to Rome over the weekend for the second major event of the Holy Year: the Jubilee of the armed forces, police and security personnel.
The event was dedicated to recognizing their service of bringing hope to people across the globe.
At a press conference before this jubilee began, the Vatican explained that this event calls, above all, “for a reminder of peace,” especially for places struggling with violence today.
Among the speakers, Lieutenant Colonel Ozren Lukenda of the Croatian Navy explained how this Jubilee Year of Hope ties into the “noble” peacekeeping efforts of military operations.
“The conduct of peace-keeping military operations has a noble cause,” he said, “it brings hope to all those affected by atrocities, because their wish is peace, and nothing but peace.”
Delegations from more than 100 countries, including Colombia, Australia, Ukraine, the United States, and Indonesia, participated in various jubilee festivities in Rome, including a pilgrimage to the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica.
The event culminated in Holy Mass presided by Pope Francis on Sunday, during which he reminded the armed forces and authorities that “the Lord asks [them] to do as he does.”
The Holy Father continued, “Jesus looks with compassion at those men. Let us never forget this: the compassion of God. God’s three attitudes are closeness, compassion and tenderness. Let us not forget: God is near, God is tender and God is always compassionate.”
Due to breathing difficulties, Pope Francis, who has been battling bronchitis for a long time, had to suddenly interrupt his homily.
“Excuse me, I will now ask the Master [of Liturgical Celebrations] to continue reading due to my difficulty in breathing.”
Instead, he asked his Master of Ceremonies, Archbishop Diego Ravelli, to continue reading his homily instead of him.
In his homily, the Pope thanked the authorities for “boarding our storm-tossed boats, offering us protection and encouraging us to stay our course,” just as the Lord does in the Gospel.
Adapted by Jacob Stein
