Pope Francis urges Catholic media to ‘overcome the diseases of racism, injustice and indifference’

Pope Francis urged the Catholic media to “overcome the diseases of racism, injustice and indifference” on Tuesday as he addressed George Floyd’s death in the U.S.

The pope addressed Catholic journalists in North America during a virtual conference, calling on them to build bridges and dialogue in addition to defending life, The Associated Press reported. 

Pope Francis prayed for the reporters to be led by the Holy Spirit to “effectively work to overcome the diseases of racism, injustice and indifference that disfigure the face of our common family.”

The pope has spoken on Floyd’s death, calling it “tragic” and saying he was praying for “all those who have lost their lives as a result of the sin of racism.” 

“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,” he said at the beginning of the month.

But Pope Francis said the violence in some protests following Floyd’s death was “self-defeating” and called for “the national reconciliation and peace for which we yearn.”

The pope also praised a Texas bishop who knelt with protesters during a demonstration over Floyd’s death.

Floyd, a Black man, died while in Minneapolis police custody last month.