Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, urged a renewed global commitment to peace on Sunday as the world marked 25 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks. Speaking in English from his studio window overlooking St. Peter’s Square during his traditional Sunday noon blessing, the Chicago-born pope offered his reflections to the gathered crowds. Two days prior marked the quarter-century milestone since the tragic events struck his home country. Leo renewed his prayers for all those who lost their lives, as well as the individuals who continue to carry the physical and emotional wounds of that dark day. At a time when ongoing conflict and violence continue to plague countless communities worldwide, the pope invited everyone to pray for the divine gift of peace. Transitioning to Italian, he emphasized that remembering the tragedy from 25 years ago must inspire a renewed dedication to peaceful resolution, rooted fundamentally in prayer. Back on September 11, 2001, the man who would become pope—then known as Robert Prevost—was in Rome participating in a major assembly of the Augustinian religious order while serving as the Chicago provincial leader. Just days later, on September 14, he was elected superior of the entire order, a leadership role he maintained across two consecutive terms until 2012. In observance of the anniversary, Vatican News republished excerpts from his initial homily delivered as superior on September 21, 2001, where he initially reflected on the American attacks. During that address, he noted that the horrific violence witnessed by the global community was a grim expression of escalating worldwide crises. He warned that hatred and violence would only multiply if vast populations remained trapped in extreme poverty and systemic injustice. Historically, two popes have traveled to Ground Zero to pay their respects: Pope Benedict XVI in 2008 and Pope Francis in 2015.
Source: cbsnews.com
