Military pilgrimage to Rome: Pope Francis encourages soldiers to hope!

Military pilgrimage to Rome: Pope Francis encourages soldiers to hope!

In a significant gesture of the support, around 30,000 soldiers and security forces from over 100 countries in the Vatican were recently received. This international pilgrimage took place as part of the Holy Year celebrations in 2025 and was accompanied by the Austrian delegation, led by military bishop Werner Freistetter. The highlight of the event was a central fair on St. Peter's Square, which was celebrated by Pope Francis. Freistetter described Pope Francis' words as great encouragement for the soldiers and those in military pastoral care. The Pope underlined the responsibility of the military members to always lead their commitment with a view to the well -being of life and recalled the need to act peacefully.

pilgrimage to Rome

The trip of the delegation from Styria was not just a spiritual nature. From 4 to May 8, 2024, the participants were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of official program items, including participation in the fishing prayer and the swearing -in of the guards of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. A guided tour of the historical sites, including the catacombs and the pars' grave, was also part of the program. The general audience with Pope Francis was an emotional climax, in which a symbolic gesture was presented. The representatives of the Catholic soldiers felt deeply touched by the warm way of the Pope, such as "https://www.mildioz.at/index.php/aktuelles/item/225-papst-franziskus-fehtgation-katholische-soldaten-aus-der-stei-in-rom"> mildioz.at reported.

Military Bishop Freistetter also took part in an international conference of military bishops, which dealt with the topic of "Hope against all hope". The conference again illustrated the connection between peace, justice and human rights. Freistetter emphasized the central role of faith in the military community, especially in times of global conflicts, and saw in the pilgrimage and in the words of the Pope an essential reinforcement for the soldiers on duty, who are seen as any "servants of the security and freedom of the peoples".