Pope on assault on US Capitol: 'Reject violence. It’s time for healing'

By Vatican News staff writer

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 [the violence] 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.