Members of the Vatican police and fire departments do not just put their lives on the line to protect the Pope, but they ensure law, order and the safety of everyone at the Vatican with charity and tenderness, Pope Francis said.

Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Vatican Gendarme, Pope Francis was scheduled to celebrate a Mass on September 18 in the Vatican Gardens with the police, the firefighters and their spouses. Stormy weather forced the celebration to move into St Peter's Basilica, where uniformed officers served as the cross bearer, altar servers and readers.