Pope Francis highlights Yemen in annual appeal for world peace

The pontiff did not appear at services on Thursday and Friday because of health issues

Pope Francis expressed his concerns over Yemen on Friday in his traditional appeal for world peace.

At least 22 people were killed in an attack on Aden airport on Wednesday, which triggered a fresh round of air raids by the Saudi-led coalition on Houthi targets.

"I express my sorrow and concern for the further escalation of violence in Yemen, which is causing numerous innocent victims," Francis said. "Let us think of the children of Yemen, without education, without medicine, famished."

The pope was unable to attend services on Thursday and again on Friday morning due to sciatica.

It was believed to be the first time since he became pope in 2013 that Francis, who turned 84 last month, has been prevented by health reasons from leading a major papal event.

He showed no sign of discomfort as he delivered a noon address and prayer, standing at a lectern in the library of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace.

"Life today is governed by war, by enmity, by many things that are destructive. We want peace. It is a gift," Francis said, adding that the response to the global coronavirus crisis showed the importance of burden-sharing.

"The painful events that marked humanity's journey last year, especially the pandemic, taught us how much it is necessary to take an interest in the problems of others and to share their concerns," he said.

The noon blessing is normally given from a window overlooking St Peter's Square, but it was moved indoors to prevent any crowds gathering and limit the spread of Covid-19.