Pope tells 40,000 pilgrims at the Jubilee of the Armed Forces: "Be courageous witnesses of God's love"
The Jubilee dedicated to Police, Military and Security personnel took place on 8 and 9 February – one of the major events of the Holy Year following the Jubilee of the World of Communication. The event attracted over 40,000 people, of whom 20,000 came from Italy and the rest were delegations from around 100 countries from all round the world, showing the international character of the 2025 Jubilee.
The event began on Saturday morning with a pilgrimage to the Holy Door of St. Peter's - a significant moment of prayer and reflection. Then the procession moved to Piazza del Popolo for a welcoming event. On a special stage set up for the occasion, the delegations were welcomed by the Italian Army Inter-Force Music Band who played the Italian national anthem.
Then, in the presence of the Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, various speakers addressed the pilgrims, among them His Excellency Archbishop Santo Marcianò, Military Archbishop for Italy, General Luciano Portolano, Chief of the Defense Staff, the Chief of Police and Director General of Public Security Vittorio Pisani.
His Excellency Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization who is in charge of organizing the Jubilee, also spoke to underline the importance of the role of security forces in the fight for peace: “The call for peace is more important than ever on this occasion, because it is not only a reminder of your commitment as men and women at the service of the institutions, but above all a reminder of that good which is the global good par excellence: peace.”
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, also spoke of peace during the Mass celebrated on February 9 in St. Peter's Square. The Pontiff made a powerful appeal to members of the Armed Forces and Security Forces, inviting them to reflect on the profound purpose of their service: the promotion and defense of life. "Be courageous witnesses of the love of God the Father, who wants us all to be brothers," the Pope urged, asking them to be vigilant against "the temptation to cultivate a spirit of war" and not to give in to the "propaganda of hatred." The Pope’s was a clear message of hope, solidarity and brotherhood, with the invitation to work for a more just and humane world.
Pope Francis also recalled the important role of the police and security forces in ensuring social peace, in dealing with natural disasters, in saving lives at sea and defending legality. "You are called to defend our countries, to safeguard justice, to be present in prisons and to fight crime," the Pope said, underlining the fundamental commitment of the armed forces to the safety of citizens.
During his homily, Pope Francis also invited those present to follow the example of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, who performs three symbolic acts: "He saw, he went up, he sat down. ‘Seeing’ means having a careful eye on threats to security; ‘going up’ represents the commitment to face difficulties with courage; ‘sitting down’ symbolizes firmness in defending the values of justice and legality.’”
The Pope paid homage too to military chaplains, who accompany the security forces not to justify war, but to offer moral and spiritual support, helping officers to carry out their mission in the light of the Gospel and in the service of the common good.
At the end of Mass, Pope Francis expressed his gratitude to all the armed forces and security forces for their commitment and noted the risks they face daily. He Invited them to never forget the purpose of their service: "To promote life, to save life, and to defend life always".
He added: "Thank you because by climbing onto our boats in dangerous moments, you offer us your protection and encourage us to continue our crossing.”
The Jubilee of the Armed Forces was an occasion of great spirituality and reflection, an opportunity to share the values of peace, justice and solidarity, reaffirming the importance of a collective commitment to build a more humane, just and fraternal world.