Pope Francis breaks down and cries while mentioning Ukraine at public prayer

Pope Francis wept on Thursday (8 December) when he spoke of the suffering of Ukrainians in a traditional prayer held in central Rome.

As he spoke of the Ukrainians, his voice started to shake and he was forced to stop speaking for 30 seconds. His voice cracked when he resumed the prayer.

When they realized he couldn't talk, the crowd applauded, along with Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, who was right next door to him.

Francis fell during a traditional prayer at the Madonna's feet on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (a national holiday in Italy), and broke down.

He said: "Immaculate Virgin. Today I would like to bring you the thanks (for peace) of the Ukrainian people," before becoming overwhelmed and having to stop.

He added: "It is my duty to continue, when I am able to,"

Since February when Russia invaded Ukraine, Francis has made mention of Ukraine in almost all his public appearances. He has become increasingly critical about Moscow.

He compared Wednesday's war in Ukraine with a Nazi operation which killed approximately two million people, mostly Jews in the first year of World War Two.

The pope received journalists and others in the crowd after he had read the prayer at the statue next to the Spanish Steps.

Francis responded to a journalist who mentioned that she had seen him overcome by emotion.

"Yes. It is a terrible, immense suffering. It is a defeat for humanity."

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