Floyd was taken to a local hospital, where he died. His death has spurred widespread protests, which were followed by looting and riots in numerous cities.
Seitz was the first U.S. Catholic bishop to join the protests and demonstrations against racial injustice and police brutality which spread across the country after Floyd’s death.
Along with a group of priests of his diocese, Seitz knelt for nine minutes of silent prayer in memory of Floyd June 1. The bishop held a sign reading “Black Lives Matter.”
The same day Pope Francis phoned Bishop Seitz, he also made a call to Los Angeles Archbishop José Gómez, the president of the U.S. bishops’ conference.
Pope Francis called Gómez on Wednesday, June 3 to convey his prayers and solidarity for Americans during the period of national unrest.
“The Holy Father said he was praying, especially for Archbishop Bernard Hebda and the local Church in Minneapolis-St. Paul,” Gómez wrote in a June 3 letter to bishops obtained by CNA.
“He thanked the bishops for the pastoral tone of the Church’s response to the demonstrations across the country in our statements and actions since the death of George Floyd. He assured us of his continued prayers and closeness in the days and weeks ahead,” Gómez added.
Wednesday morning Pope Francis addressed U.S. Catholics via livestream during his weekly general audience.
The pope said he was praying for the soul of George Floyd and for all victims of racism. He also said nothing was gained by violence.
“Let us pray for the comfort of families and friends who are heartbroken, and pray for national reconciliation and the peace we yearn for,” he said.
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