Pope Leo XIV has called for a renewed commitment to peace as he marked 25 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.
The Chicago-born pontiff spoke in English from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St Peter’s Square, at the end of his traditional Sunday Angelus blessing at the Vatican.
“I renew my prayers for those who lost their lives and for those who continue to bear the wounds of that tragic day,” Pope Leo said.
He added: “At a time when conflict and violence afflict so many of our brothers and sisters, I invite everyone to pray that the Lord will bestow his gift of peace upon the world.”
Speaking in Italian, he said the memory of the attacks should encourage a renewed dedication to peace, “above all with prayer”.
Pope Leo’s reflections on September 11
On September 11 2001, Leo – then known as Robert Prevost – was in Rome attending a major gathering of his Augustinian religious order. He was the Chicago provincial leader at the time and was elected superior of the entire order three days later, on his birthday.
He held that position for two consecutive terms until 2012. Vatican News has republished extracts from his first homily as superior, delivered on September 21 2001, in which he reflected on the attacks.
“We cannot fail to remember the tragic events that shook the United States on Sept. 11,” he said. “The violence that the world witnessed last week in the United States is a tragic expression of a series of problems that are becoming increasingly acute everywhere.”
He also said: “Hatred and violence will continue to grow as long as so many people are forced to live in extreme poverty and are oppressed by so many forms of injustice.”
Pope Benedict visited Ground Zero in 2008, while Pope Francis made the journey in 2015. Pope Leo is the first American to lead the Catholic Church.
