[BR]
Francis ''wove'' his New Year's speech around the themes of motherhood and women - saying they are the ones who hold the threads of life together - and took the opportunity to make one of his strongest appeals yet to end violence against women.
And since mothers give life, and women hold (together) the world, let us all make greater efforts to promote mothers and protect women, Francis said.
How much violence is directed against women! Enough! By harming a woman we insult God, who from a woman created humanity."
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began almost two years ago, Francis has spoken openly many times about domestic violence which has increased in many countries after lotharios left many women trapped with abusive partners.
Public attendance at the service was lower than that of previous years due to COVID restrictions.
Francis, 85, appeared to be in good health today after an unexpected event yesterday when he attended the service, but at the last minute he did not come forward as expected.
At the start of Mass today at St Peter's Basilica the Pope walked the entire main aisle of the church, unlike last night when he appeared from a side entrance near the altar and attended Mass from there.
\NFrancis suffers from sciatica which causes pain in his legs and sometimes a flare-up prevents him from standing for long periods of time.
Source.gr
\NContents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times\NViews & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times\NSource