Pope Francis condemns George Floyd’s death as result of ‘sin of racism’ and brands US unrest ‘disturbing’
POPE Francis has condemned George Floyd's death as "tragic" and said he's praying for those and "all those others who have lost their lives as a result of the sin of racism."
Speaking in Italian to a live-streamed audience on Wednesday, said people should not “tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form” and called for “national reconciliation and peace.”
"Dear brothers and sisters in the , I have witnessed with great concern the disturbing social unrest in your nation in these past days, following the tragic death of ."
“My friends, 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.”
"At the same time, we have to recognize is self-destructive and self-defeating," Francis said. "Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost."
He said he is "praying for the repose of the soul of George Floyd and of all those others who have lost their lives as a result of the sin of racism.”
“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,” he said.
The remarks are the first time Francis has spoken publicly about .
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Thousands of people in hundreds of US cities and in countries throughout the world have been protesting police brutality and racism after Floyd died last week.
He was arrested for apparently trying to use a fake $20 bill to buy cigarettes, and while in custody, held his knee on the back of Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes.
Floyd died and his .
