Pope Francis told soldiers, police officers and security personnel around the world today that weapons can only be used for legitimate defense and that international law must always be respected.
The Pope appeared in public today for the first time since being diagnosed with bronchitis on Thursday, to celebrate an outdoor mass for members of the armed forces, police and security personnel. But after just a few sentences, he asked an aide to continue reading, saying he was having difficulty breathing.
"I would like to recall the teaching of the Church, that those who exercise their profession in the ranks of the military in the service of their homeland, should consider themselves servants of the security and freedom of their people," Francis said.
"The armed service must be used only for legitimate defense, never impose dominance over other countries, and always respect international conventions on conflict," he added.
The Pope has issued a new appeal for peace, citing conflicts around the world, including in Ukraine, the Middle East, Myanmar and Sudan. "May the guns everywhere be silenced and may the cry of the people seeking peace be heard," the pope said.
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