“We are brokenhearted, sickened and outraged.... Racism is a real and present danger that must be met head-on,” said Bishop Shelton Fabre, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committe Against Racism.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell led a prayer vigil for peaceful coexistence in the United States.
As Chairman of the Committee on Cultural Diversity for the USCCB, Archbishop Nelson Pérez said even in these difficult times, hope is found in the action being taken.
The 40 men and 12 women, suffering from exhaustion, hunger and uncertainty, were stuck on the livestock carrier until July 8, when Maltese authorities finally allowed them to disembark.