Pope Francis assures Americans
and US Bishops of his prayer during unrest
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| Protesters in Los Angeles hold a sign with an image of George Floyd (2020 Getty Images) |
Pope Francis calls the president of the US Bishops’
Conference, Archbishop José Gomez, with a message of solidarity and
encouragement, amid protests in the US sparked by the death of George Floyd.
By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ
Pope Francis on Wednesday made a phone call to Archbishop
José H. Gomez, the president of the US Bishops’ Conference, expressing his
prayers and closeness to the Church and people of the United States. His call
came amid widespread protests following the death of George Floyd.
Archbishop Gomez shared the news with the Bishops of the
United States in a communique on the USCCB website.
He said Pope Francis had called him to express his gratitude
to the Bishops for their pastoral tone in the Church’s response to the
demonstrations across the country.
The Holy Father also said he was praying for Archbishop
Bernard A. Hebda and the Church of St. Paul and Minneapolis, where Mr. Floyd
was killed.
Archbishop Gomez, on behalf of the US Bishops, thanked the
Pope “for his prayers and strong words of support” and assured him of the
prayers of the US Bishops.
Pope Francis’s appeal
During the weekly General Audience on Wednesday, Pope
Francis condemned all forms of racism and exclusion.
He prayed for the repose of the soul of George Floyd and all
those who have lost their lives as a result of the sin of racism.
The Pope also expressed his concern for the disturbing
instances of violence that have sprung up during protests in cities across the
United States.
Quoting Archbishop Gomez, the Holy Father stressed that
“nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost.”
Pope Francis prayed for the consolation of the grieving
families, and enjoined everyone to work towards national reconciliation and
peace.
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