By Staff Reporter
VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has renewed prayers for the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, while calling on the world to embrace peace as conflicts and violence continue to affect millions of people.
The Pope made the remarks on Sunday, September 13, during his traditional Angelus prayer from the window overlooking St Peter’s Square at the Vatican, as the world marked the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Leo said he continued to pray for those who lost their lives as well as survivors and others who still carry the emotional and physical wounds of the attacks.
“Two days ago marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States of America,” Leo said. “I renew my prayers for those who lost their lives and for those who continue to bear the wounds of that tragic day.”
The pontiff also urged people around the world to pray for an end to violence, particularly as wars and conflicts continue in several parts of the world.
“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,” he said.
Leo’s comments also echoed concerns he expressed shortly after the September 11 attacks. In his first homily as leader of the Augustinian religious order, he linked the growth of hatred and violence to poverty, oppression and injustice.
He argued that hatred and violence would continue to grow as long as millions of people were forced to live in extreme poverty and face different forms of injustice.
The Pope’s message comes as the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks has prompted renewed reflection on the human cost of terrorism, war and the continuing search for peace.
