Pope Leo XIV has renewed prayers for the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States and called for a renewed commitment to peace amid conflicts around the world.
The Pope made the call on Sunday at the end of his traditional noon blessing, delivered from a window overlooking St Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
“Two days ago marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the September 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,” Leo told the crowd.
He also urged people to pray for an end to violence and conflict affecting communities around 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.
The Pope’s remarks recalled his earlier reflections on the attacks. Days after September 11, he delivered his first homily as leader of the Augustinian order, to which he belongs.
In the homily, Leo warned that hatred and violence would persist as long as millions of people continued to face extreme poverty and injustice.
“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,” he said.
