Pope weighs in

Pope Francis Prays For George Floyd, Decries 'The Sin Of Racism'

Catholics cannot tolerate racism and also "claim to defend the sacredness of every human life," Pope Francis says, commenting on the upheaval that has followed the death of George Floyd in police custody.

The pope is urging the U.S. to reach a national reconciliation, after days of protests and violence.

"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," the pope said on Wednesday.

He added, "At the same time, we have to recognize that 'the violence of recent nights is self-destructive and self-defeating. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost.'"

Today, Francis says, he is joining the Church in Minneapolis, and across the U.S., "in praying for the repose of the soul of George Floyd and of all those others who have lost their lives as a result of the sin of racism."

The prayers, he added, would be for consolation for their grieving families, and for reconciliation and peace.