From the Vatican:+
Pope Francis extended his “loving greeting” to the people of the United States of America whom, he said, are “shaken by the recent assault on Congress” and said he is praying for the five people who lost their lives “in those dramatic moments.”+
The Pope was speaking during the Sunday Angelus just days after an angry mob stormed Capitol Hill and clashed with police as Congress convened to validate Joe Biden’s presidential win.
Violence is always self-destructive
“I reiterate that violence is always self-destructive,” Pope Francis said, adding that “Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost.”
“I urge the State authorities and the entire population to maintain a high sense of responsibility in order to soothe tempers, promote national reconciliation, and protect the democratic values rooted in American society,” he said.
Build the common good
The Pope concluded invoking the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of the United States of America, “to help keep alive the culture of encounter, the culture of care, as the way to build the common good together, and do so with all those who live in that country.”
From the Vatican:
Pope on assault on US Capitol: ‘Reject violence. It’s time for healing’
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By Vatican News staff writer
Pope Francis says the unfolding of events on Capitol Hill in Washington DC on 6 January “came as a surprise” to him. However, he noted, no society can consider itself immune from subversive elements.
His words come as part of an interview conducted by the Italian “Canale 5” television network, which will be broadcast on Sunday evening.
Violence to be condemned
“I was amazed, because they are a people who are so disciplined in democracy,” said Pope Francis. However, he added, even mature societies can have flaws, and there are often people “who take a path against the community, against democracy, and against the common good.”
Violence must certainly be condemned, the Pope continued. “It must always be condemned, regardless of those who perpetrate it.”
After Capitol Hill, a time for “healing”
“There is no society which can boast of never having had a single day or case of violence,” the Pope said.
Therefore, he added, it is a question of “understanding, so as not to repeat [the violence] and learn from history.”
In any case, Pope Francis concluded, “understanding is fundamental.” because it is the only way in which to find a “remedy.”