On Sunday, Pope Francis prayed for the people affected by the Moscow concert hall attack, condemning the violence as 'inhuman acts' that disrespected God.
After a Palm Sunday service in Saint Peter’s Square, the 87-year-old pope assured that he was praying for the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Moscow.
The pope asked the Lord to welcome the victims into peace, comfort their families, and change the hearts of those responsible for the violence that offends God. He reminded that God commanded 'Thou shalt not kill'.
At the Palm Sunday Mass in front of approximately 25,000 people, the pope spoke with a weak voice, skipping his planned homily.
Despite his weak voice, the pope seemed cheerful after the mass, smiling and waving to the crowd from his vehicle.
The pope had flu last month and has since requested others to read his texts at public events.
In recent years, Francis has faced various health issues including knee and hip pain, inflamed colon, and hernia surgery last year.
Sunday’s liturgical celebration marked the beginning of Holy Week, during which the pope leads several important events leading up to Easter, the most important holiday in Christianity.
Last year, Francis missed the traditional “Way of the Cross” prayer service on Good Friday for the first time due to unusually cold weather and recovery from a bronchitis infection that led to a three-night hospitalization.
The weather at the time was unusually cold and he was recovering from a bronchitis infection that saw him hospitalised for three nights.
AFP
