Pope Francis today condemned any form of racism in response to the death of African-American George Floyd in Minneapolis, USA, but also condemned the violent reactions that followed.
“We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life,” said Pope Francis, who described racism as a “sin.”
“At the same time, we have to recognize that the violence of recent nights is self-destructive and self-defeating,” the Pope added. “Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost,” he said in a special message to English-speaking believers.
“I have witnessed with great concern the disturbing social unrest in your nation in these past days, following the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd,” he underlined.
“We pray for the relief of the devastated families and friends and we pray for the national reconciliation and peace we are looking forward to,” he said. “Let us pray for the consolation of their grieving families and friends and let us implore the national reconciliation and peace for which we yearn,” the Pope concluded
Source: ANA-MPA