The disturbing murder of George Floyd and the subsequent unrest and violence across our nation has reached the ears and hearts of many around the world—including our Holy Father. During his weekly general audience, Pope Francis addressed the racism and rioting that has dominated United States media attention these past days.
“He said that he has been watching the situation unfold and he prayed especially for the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He asked that she assist everyone in the United States and around the world for peace and justice and he said that violence is self-destructive … so he asked us all specifically to be praying for the United States and for peace to come,” explained Ashley Noronha, Relevant Radio® Rome Correspondent.
Due to concerns following the pandemic in Italy, the general audience on June 3, 2020, was not open to the public but accessible to the faithful via the media. Pope Francis shared the following message to English-speaking listeners:
“Dear brothers and sisters in the United States, 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.
“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 that “the violence of recent nights is self-destructive and self-defeating. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost”.
“Today I join the Church in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, and in the entire United States, in 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. May Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of America, intercede for all those who work for peace and justice in your land and throughout the world.
“May God bless all of you and your families.”
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