In previous years, Francis would start it prostrating himself on the marble floor of the basilica, but his physical condition no longer allows him to do so.
The letter was delivered the day after the United States did not veto a UN vote calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan. The resolution passed with 14 votes in favor.
Highlighting the impact of the conflict, it noted that "Since [Hamas's October 7 attack], more than 30,000 have been killed by Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, the majority of them women and children."
Cohen tapped into the audience's biblical sentiments by emphasizing Israel's centuries-old struggle for its land, which was bestowed by God on the Jewish people more than 4,000 years ago.
The declaration came only a day after the European Union announced that it would maintain funding for UNRWA, despite the involvement of some of its staff in the October 7 Hamas massacre.
"I have asked that studies be carried out into this ugly ideology of our times, which cancels out the differences and makes everything the same," the pope said.
Cardozo committed sexual assaults against minors belonging to the community, according to the indictment. He would invite them to “hang out” and sleep in the monastery where he lived.