Pope Francis' Anti-racist Message To Catholic Journalists

Pope francis (Twitter / @ Pontifex_es)

JAKARTA - The great leader of Catholics, Pope Francis urged all Catholic media crews, especially those in the United States (US to work together to overcome injustice and racism, Pope Francis said on Tuesday, June 30.

This request is Pope Francis' response regarding the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement which is currently taking place in all corners of the world. Launching the Associated Press, Pope Francis' message in the virtual conference of Catholic journalists is none other than that those who join the media share in carrying out the spirit of anti-racism.

Not only that. He also prayed for Catholic journalists to be wise and guided directly by the Holy Spirit while working in the field. "To work effectively against the disease of racism, injustice and indifference that disfigured the faces of our common family," said Pope Francis.

Previously, Pope Francis had spoken about the death of black George Floyd on May 25 which triggered the BLM movement. In his comments, Francis condemned and protested the actions of the Minneapolis police which he called the sin of racism.

"We cannot close our eyes to any form of racism or exclusion, while pretending to defend the sanctity of every human life," he added.

As is known, 46-year-old Floyd died after a white police officer knelt on Floyd's neck for eight minutes. At that moment, Floyd who was panting said that he could not breathe. The officer who killed him, Derek Chauvin, faces up to 40 years in prison.

Some of the protesters who participated in the BLM action included priests, bishops and Catholic peace activists. Therefore, this issue is the concern of Pope Francis and the media at the Vatican.