STORMING OF THE CAPITOL HILL IN USA
Catholic leaders, like all Americans, came to terms with the storming of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on January 6. One woman, Ashli Babbitt, 35 and a Police officer, named as Brian Sicknick, 42 were among the five persons who died during the attack on the Capitol.
The shock and outrage of the politicians’ reactions has been mirrored by Catholic Church leaders. President of the US bishops’ Conference Archbishop José Gómez said: “I join people of goodwill in condemning the violence today at the United States Capitol. This is not who we are as Americans … The peaceful transition of power is one of the hallmarks of this great nation. In this troubling moment, we must recommit ourselves to the values and principles of our democracy and come together as one nation under God. I entrust all of us to the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
Washington’s archbishop, Cardinal Wilton Gregory, said: “Together, we must intentionally pause and pray for peace in this critical moment. The divisive tone that has so dominated our national conversations must change. Those who resort to inflammatory rhetoric must accept some responsibility for inciting the increasing violence in our nation. ”
Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich said: “What has been unfolding at the Capitol today should shock the conscience of any patriotic American and any faithful Catholic. The eyes of the world look on in horror as we suffer this national disgrace. For many months we have witnessed the deliberate erosion of the norms of our system of government … May our elected officials heed the counsel of their better angels to stand up for the Constitution they swore to defend, to speak the truth, and to recognise threats to democracy, no matter their source.”
POPE FRANCIS’ REACTION Pope Francis said he was “astounded” at the disorder in the USA capital on January 6, and added that “even in the most mature societies there’s always something that doesn’t work, people who take away that’s against the community, against democracy, against the common good.”
FR. EMMANUEL FERNANDO, OMI