Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI 9/11 Message to the Church in the United States

“Israel Remembers the Victims of 11 September Terrorist Attacks – Jerusalem’s Living Memorial Plaza is a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of hate and evil. Today and every day Israel stands in solidarity with its allies and with those who lost their loved ones on 9/11”
Image Courtesy: State of Israel@Twitter

(LI Catholic) From the Vatican, September, 2011

To My Venerable Brother
The Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan
President
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

On this day my thoughts turn to the somber events of 11 September, 2001 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, DC and Pennsylvania. I join you in commending the thousands of victims to the infinite mercy of Almighty God and in asking our Heavely Father to continue to console those who mourn the loss of loved ones.

The tragedy of that day is compounded by the perpetrator’s claim to be acting in God’s name. Once again, it must be unequivocally stated that no circumstances can ever justify acts of terrorism. 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.

The American people are to be commended for the courage and generosity that they showed in the rescue operations and for their resilience in moving forward with hope and confidence. It is my fervent prayer 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.

With these sentiments, I extend my most affectionate greetings to you, your brother Bishops and all those entrusted to your pastoral care and I gladly impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of peace and serenity in the Lord.

Pope Benedict XVI

H/T: Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal World

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