Pope says the ‘movement’ of violence at the Capitol must be condemned

Pope Francis said that the “movement” of violence that took place at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday must be condemned.

The Associated Press reported his comments on Saturday made during an interview with Italian broadcaster Mediaset that will air Sunday.

In the interview, Francis says even “in the most mature reality, there is always something that doesn’t work, people who take a path against the community, against democracy and against the common good,” AP reports.

“Thank God this exploded” into the open, Francis said, according to the news service. “So it can be seen, so it can be remedied.”

“This must be condemned, this movement, regardless of the people” involved, Francis said.

World leaders weighed in this week on the breach of the U.S. Capitol that left five dead, including a Capitol police officer and a 35-year-old woman who was shot. The Capitol was placed on lockdown as rioters overtook the Capitol, vandalizing offices and statues, as well as breaking windows.

Some demonstrators even entered the House and Senate chambers.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned President Trump and his allies on Friday for “inciting” the riots. 

“What we witnessed was an assault on democracy by violent rioters incited by the current president and other politicians,” Trudeau said during a news conference.

“As shocking, deeply disturbing, and frankly saddening as that event remains, we’ve also seen this week that democracy is resilient in America.”

Trump on Wednesday gave a speech at a rally of his supporters on the National Mall in which he encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol and demand that Congress only count the electors who were “lawfully slated.” 

Following his remarks, the mob of rioters overtook Capitol Hill.