On Sunday, Pope Francis celebrated a Jubilee Mass for Armed Forces, Police, and Security Personnel in St. Peter’s Square, urging them to be “courageous witnesses of the love of God our Father.” Reflecting on the Gospel account of Jesus at the Lake of Gennesaret, the Pope highlighted three actions: Jesus saw, went aboard, and sat down. He emphasized that Jesus’ compassionate gaze, his initiative to enter into the lives of the discouraged fishermen, and his teaching from their boat serve as models for how security personnel should engage with their duties.
The Pope acknowledged the significant role of military and law enforcement in defending nations, maintaining security, and upholding justice. He encouraged them not only to recognize and report evil but also to actively engage in preventing harm, stating, “Your uniforms, the discipline that has shaped you, the courage that is your hallmark, the oath you have taken—all these are things that remind you of the importance not only of seeing evil in order to report it, but also of boarding the storm-tossed boat and working to ensure that it does not run aground.”
Pope Francis also highlighted the vital presence of chaplains among military and police forces, describing them as “the presence of Christ, who desires to walk at your side, to offer you a listening and sympathetic ear, to encourage you to set out ever anew and to support you in your daily service.” He clarified that their role is not to “bless perverse acts of war” but to provide moral and spiritual support, helping personnel carry out their missions in light of the Gospel and the common good.
The Pope expressed gratitude for the service of armed forces and law enforcement, acknowledging the personal risks they often face. He urged them to remain vigilant against the temptation to adopt a warlike spirit, the illusion of power, and propaganda that fosters hatred and division. Instead, he called on them to be “courageous witnesses of the love of God our Father, who wants us all to be brothers and sisters,” and to work together as “artisans of a new era of peace, justice, and fraternity.”
During the Mass, Pope Francis, who has been recovering from bronchitis, experienced difficulty breathing and handed over the reading of his homily to an aide. Despite his health challenges, the 88-year-old pontiff has continued his activities and meetings at his residence, Casa Santa Marta.
The Jubilee Mass was attended by approximately 30,000 soldiers and police officers from various countries, including delegations from the Italian armed forces and the Spanish Army and Civil Guard. This event is part of the Holy Year dedicated to different sectors, following a similar gathering with communicators from around the world last month. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-02/pope-francis-at-angelus-9-february-2025.html
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