Pope Francis could not hold back tears while recalling the war in “martyrdom” Ukraine during a public ceremony held on Thursday afternoon in the center of Rome, reports Agerpres.

On the occasion of the traditional ceremony honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary during the feast of the Immaculate Conception, an official day off in Italy, Pope Francis approached the statue of the Virgin Mary, which is installed on top of a high plinth, near the Spanish Steps on Thursday.

“Most Holy Virgin, today I would like to bring You the thanks of the Ukrainian people…”, said the Sovereign Pontiff, reading his speech while standing, after which, overcome with emotion, he broke off.

Visibly moved and with tears in his eyes, Pope Francis remained silent for several seconds, after which the audience warmly applauded him.

Then the sovereign pontiff continued his speech, leaning on the armrest of the chair, but remaining standing: “…to the Ukrainian people peace, which we have been asking God for a long time.”

“Instead, I must remind you again,” he continued, his voice still choked with emotion, “of the plight of the children, the elderly, the fathers and mothers, the youth of this tortured country who are suffering so much.”

In the “Angel of the Lord” prayer, celebrated at noon in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis awakened “the general desire for peace, especially for tortured Ukraine, which suffers so much.”

Pope Francis has been tirelessly advocating for peace since the start of the Russian invasion in February, a topic he often brings up in his speeches.

In an interview published in late November by the Jesuit magazine America, the Pope also condemned the “cruelty” that Ukraine is facing in the context of the Russian offensive.

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