Pope Francis offered prayers Sunday for those who lost their lives during the siege at the U.S. Capitol — and encouraged Americans to come together in a spirit of reconciliation.
“I extend an affectionate greeting to the people of the United States of America, shaken by the recent siege of Congress,” Francis said, as reported by the Catholic News Agency. “I pray for those who lost their lives — five lost in those dramatic moments.”
Violence is always “self-destructive,” the pope said. “Nothing is gained with violence and so much is lost. I urge the authority of the state and the entire population to maintain a high sense of responsibility in order to calm the spirits, promote national reconciliation and protect the democratic values rooted in American society.”
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