ROME: Pope Francis has broken down in tears on Thursday as he spoke about the suffering of Ukraine during a traditional prayer in central Rome.
The pope’s voice shook when he spoke about the Ukrainians and he stopped, unable to speak, for about 30 seconds. When he resumed praying, his voice broke.
The crowd, including Rome’s mayor Roberto Gualtieri who was close to the pope, cheered when they realized he couldn’t speak and saw him crying.
Francis fell during the traditional prayer to the Madonna at the feet of the statue on the Fast of the Immaculate Conception, a national holiday in Italy.
Pope Francis cries in public during traditional prayer for Ukraine
“Bad girl, today I would like to bring you the greetings of the Ukrainian people,” he said before he was overcome with emotion and stopped.
When he could, he continued, “Instead, I will bring to you the request of the children, the elderly, fathers and mothers, the youth of this martyred land, which suffers greatly. “
Since Russia invaded its neighbor in February, Francis has mentioned Ukraine in almost every public appearance and has been increasingly critical of Moscow.
