Pope Leo XIV remembers September 11 tragedy and calls for peace

Pope Leo XIV addressed the public during the Angelus on Sunday, September 13, two days after the twenty-fifth anniversary of the horrific terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York on September 11. He expressed his prayers for those who lost their lives and for those who continue to bear the wounds of that tragic day.

The first American Pope in history recalled the victims of that morning in 2001, which left a lasting pain, transformed into memory but never overcome. Numerous ceremonies and commemorative events have been organized across various parts of the United States to honor the 2,977 people killed. The main event took place at the Ground Zero memorial in New York, built at the site of the Twin Towers.

Pope Leo emphasized the need for prayer and commitment to peace, particularly in a time when conflicts and violence afflict many. He urged everyone to pray for the Lord to grant the world the gift of peace. The memory of the tragic event from twenty-five years ago encourages the renewal of commitment to peace, starting with prayer, entrusted to the intercession of the Virgin Mary.

At the conclusion of his address, Pope Leo greeted the crowd of approximately 15,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square under a still summer sun, where banners and flags from various countries were visible, and some faithful sent messages of congratulations to the Pope, who will celebrate his 71st birthday on Monday, September 14.