Young people in major Italian cities went out to the streets, despite the coronavirus, to denounce racism and remember George Floyd.
In Rome, about 2,000 people gathered in Piazza del Popolo, carrying signs like these. Some were Americans, temporarily living in Italy.
“I'm American, and I'm here because many of us are frustrated and hurt and afraid for my son, who is a black teenager in America.”
Many others were Italian students.
“Instead of staying home, I chose to go out to show my support.”
The culminating moment was when everyone knelt for eight minutes and 46 seconds, the time it took for the police to suffocate Floyd.
Italy went out to the streets, but also to churches. In Santa Maria in Trastevere, the Community of Sant'Egidio organized a prayer vigil for peaceful coexistence in the United States. It was led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
CARD. KEVIN J. FARRELL
Prefect, Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life
“If the peace of Christ is truly present in the hearts of believers, there can be no room for rivalry.”
The Community of Sant'Egidio, especially involved in peace processes around the world, said this is the moment to remember. They asked to remember and follow the example of those who have fought for equal rights.
MARCO IMPAGLIAZZO
President, Community of Sant'Egidio
“We believe in the legacy, work and great witness of Martin Luther King and the many others who, in America, have worked for equal rights and to overcome all forms of racism and discrimination.”
The death of George Floyd hasn't gone unnoticed in countries where the pandemic hit with particular force. In fact, Italy took this particular opportunity to denounce racism.
Javier Romero
Translation: CT
