In his Angelus Address on Sunday 18 July 2021, the Holy Father, Pope Francis acknowledged the receipt of the unfortunate news about the violence and looting that plagued some parts of South Africa in the past few days. He made an appeal for building peace and collaboration among all leaders involved.

The Pope said, ““Unfortunately, this last week, news has arrived of episodes of violence that have aggravated the situation of so many of our brothers and sisters in South Africa, already affected by economic and health difficulties due to the pandemic. United to the Bishops of the country, I address a heartfelt appeal to all the leaders involved that they might work toward building peace and collaborate with the authorities to provide assistance to those in need. May the desire that has guided the South African people, the rebirth of harmony among all its children, not be forgotten.”

The Pope’s appeal and his expression of unity with the Bishops of Southern Africa follows the statement released by the same bishops on Tuesday, 13 July 2021, condemning the violence, looting and poor governance, “We condemn in strong terms the glaring criminal elements that are taking advantage of this situation. We call upon individuals who are involved in vandalism and thuggery to give a thought to the livelihood of many people that they are jeopardising by destroying their places of employment.”