The US Capitol in Washington DC (ANSA)
By Vatican News staff writer
Jan 11 2021
In a Italian television interview to be aired on Sunday, Pope Francis reacts to this week’s assault on the US Capitol in Washington DC, decrying all violence and inviting Americans to “learn from the past.” He also speaks about the possibility of being innoculated against covid-19 describing it as an ethical choice and expresses his hope that everyone will choose to do so.
Pope Francis says the unfolding of events on Capitol Hill in Washington DC on 6 January “came as a surprise” to him. However, he noted, no society can consider itself immune from subversive elements.
His words come as part of an interview conducted by the Italian “Canale 5” television network, which will be broadcast on Sunday evening.
Violence to be condemned
“I was amazed, because they are a people who are so disciplined in democracy,” said Pope Francis.
However, he added, even mature societies can have flaws, and there are often people “who take a path against the community, against democracy, and against the common good.”
Violence must certainly be condemned, the Pope continued. “It must always be condemned, regardless of those who perpetrate it.”
After Capitol Hill, a time for “healing”
“There is no society which can boast of never having had a single day or case of violence,” the Pope said.
Therefore, he added, it a question of “understanding, so as not to repeat and learn from history.”
In any case, Pope Francis concluded, “understanding is fundamental”, because it is the only way in which to to find a “remedy.”
Anti-covid vaccine
During the interview the Pope also spoke of the possibility of choosing to be vaccinated against covid-19, a choice that he described as “ethical”. and he expressed his hope that everyone will do so in respect for the lives and the health of others.
Pope Francis revealed that he himself has signed-up to be vaccinated as the Vatican kicks-off its covid-19 vaccination campaign in the Vatican in the coming weeks. – Vatican News
