Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, emphasized a call for peace as he marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the United States. This statement was part of his public remarks on Sunday, delivered from St. Peter’s Square.
Originally from Chicago, Pope Leo XIV spoke in English during his traditional Sunday blessing, reflecting on the tragic events of 25 years ago. He said, “Two days ago marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States of America. I renew my prayers for those who lost their lives and for those who continue to bear the wounds of that tragic day.”
He encouraged collective prayer for global peace, mentioning the conflicts and violence affecting numerous people worldwide. The Pope 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.” These remarks were made from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square during his Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican.
Speaking further in Italian, he remarked, “The memory of the tragic events of 25 years ago pushes us to renew our commitment to peace, above all with prayer.”
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Prevost, was in Rome on September 11, 2001. He was attending a significant assembly of his Augustinian religious order, serving as the Chicago provincial leader. He was later elected superior of the entire order on September 14, his birthday, and served two consecutive terms until 2012.
Vatican News republished excerpts from his first homily as superior on Sunday. This homily, originally delivered on September 21, 2001, reflected on the attacks. Pope Leo XIV had stated, “We cannot fail to remember the tragic events that shook the United States on Sept. 11. 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 further noted, “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.”
Significantly, two previous popes visited Ground Zero. Pope Benedict XVI in 2008 and Pope Francis in 2015.
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