"Indifference is not an option," said the chairmen of seven committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. They stated "unequivocally" that "racism is a life issue."
Pope Francis led the recitation of rosary and asked Mary to intercede to save the world from the pandemic in the Vatican Gardens at a replica of the grotto at Lourdes, France.
Writing to priests in Rome and across the world, Pope Francis offered encouragement but warned against the ‘temptation’ to ignore the wounds of the pandemic. America correspondent Gerry O’Connell reports from the Vatican.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to these atrocities and yet still try to profess to respect every human life,” the bishops said. “We serve a God of love, mercy, and justice.”
"Until we take the human dignity of each and every person—regardless of the circumstances of their lives—serious(ly), there will continue to be a loss of life due to racism," Bishop Shelton T. Fabre said.
Black and brown Americans continue to speak out against police misconduct and pervasive racism across the United States, writes Olga Segura. The church has an opportunity to show that it is listening.