The Pope has broken his silence regarding George Floyd's death and the ongoing protests occurring in the US and in major cities around the world in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Taking to Twitter within the hour, Pope Francis shared the following message with his 18.7 million followers:
"We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form. At the same time, we have to recognize that violence is self-destructive and self-defeating. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost. Let us pray for reconciliation and peace."Francis dedicated the entire English-language section of his weekly audience to the unrest ensuing across the US, and implored God for national reconciliation and peace.
Pope Francis has broken his silence on the unrest in the United States, saying no one can "turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion" but condemning violence as "self-destructive and self-defeating".
Watch - Pope Francis addresses George Floyd's death and the protests:In the video above, The Pope calls the death of George Floyd tragic, and said he was praying for him and all those who had been killed as a result of the "sin of racism".
This past week, mass demonstrations have erupted across the US and other major cities around the globe.
These protests - some peaceful, some violent - are calling out the systemic injustices carried out against black people, not least seen by the recent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor.
They are also demanding an end to police brutality and the racism that is so deeply entrenched in America and the western world.
The message is simple: Black lives matter.
VT proudly supports Black Lives Matter. For ways to contribute to the cause, please click HERE.
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