Pope Urges Global Solidarity In Sept. 11 Anniversary Letter
Sept. 13, 2011: Pope Benedict XVI spoke of the world's need for compassion
and justice in a letter marking the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks
in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. "It is my fervent prayer," the Pope
told New York Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan in the letter, "that a firm commitment to
justice and a global culture of solidarity will help rid the world of the grievances
that so often give rise to acts of violence and will create the conditions for greater
peace and prosperity, offering a brighter and more secure future." In the letter,
dated Sept. 11, Pope Benedict told Archbishop Dolan that his thoughts were occupied
with the "somber events" of 10 years ago, "when so many innocent lives were lost in
the brutal assault on the twin towers of the World Trade Center and the further attacks
in Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania." He noted that the "tragedy" of the 9/11 attacks
had been "compounded by the perpetrators' claim to be acting in God's name." "Once
again, it must be unequivocally stated that no circumstances can ever justify acts
of terrorism," said the Pope. "Every human life is precious in God's sight and no
effort should be spared in the attempt to promote throughout the world a genuine respect
for the inalienable rights and dignity of individuals and peoples everywhere." Pope
Benedict praised the American people for "the courage and generosity that they showed
in the rescue operations and for their resilience in moving forward with hope and
confidence." He said that his prayers were joined with those of Archbishop Dolan,
"in commending the thousands of victims to the infinite mercy of Almighty God and
in asking our heavenly Father to continue to console those who mourn the loss of loved
ones." In 2008, Pope Benedict visited the site of the World Trade Center. There,
he prayed for God's "light and guidance" in the face of "such terrible events," and
expressed hope for "a world where true peace and love reign."