Pope Benedict recalls 9/11, American 'courage and generosity'
September 09, 2011
In a letter to New York’s Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Pope Benedict XVI has recalled the terrorist attacks of 9/11, especially “brutal assault on twin towers of the World Trade Center,” and paid tribute to the “courage and generosity” of the American response.
In his letter, written for the 10th anniversary of the attacks, the Pope offers his prayers for the victims, commending them “to the infinite mercy of Almighty God,” and those who still mourn their loss.
“The tragedy of that day is compounded by the perpetrators’ claim to be acting in God’s name,” the Pontiff writes. “Once again, it must be unequivocally stated that no circumstances can ever justify acts of terrorism.”
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Further information:
- Letter from Pope Benedict XVI on September 11th Tenth Anniversary (New York archdiocese)
- Text of Pope's letter (PDF file; New York archdiocese)
- Pope Benedict offers blessings on 9/11 anniversary (CNS)
- Pope Sends Letter Mourning 9/11 and Condemning Terrorism (New York Times)
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Posted by: AgnesDay -
Sep. 10, 2011 12:38 PM ET USA
And that, my friend, is because of all nations, ours is the first to have been founded on the premise of human dignity and freedom before our Creator. I pray that we will be granted the opportunity, despite our many failures, to preserve her through these dark nights.
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Posted by: koinonia -
Sep. 10, 2011 8:34 AM ET USA
The stories from 9-11 reflect that selfless charity spoken of by Our Lord: "Greater love than this no man has, than a man lay down his life for his friends." No other people in history has stepped up to the plate as often, as readily, and as courageously to defend the vulnerable as the American people. 9-11 showed us that despite our many faults, Americans are unparalleled in exhibiting kindness, empathy, and selflessness to their neighbors at just a moment's notice.
