VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on Sunday by calling for a renewed commitment to peace and offering prayers for victims and survivors.
The Chicago-born pontiff delivered his remarks in English and Italian during his traditional Sunday noon blessing from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square. He emphasized the enduring impact of the attacks and urged collective reflection on the ongoing need for peace amid global conflicts.
Core Remarks
Pope Leo stated: “Two days ago marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 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.” He added: “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.”
Speaking in Italian, he further noted: “The memory of the tragic events of 25 years ago pushes us to renew our commitment to peace, above all with prayer.”
Historical Context
On Sept. 11, 2001, the future Pope Leo XIV—then known as Robert Prevost—was in Rome attending an assembly of his Augustinian religious order. At the time, he served as the Chicago provincial leader of the Augustinians. Prevost was elected superior of the entire order on Sept. 14, 2001, his birthday, and held the position for two consecutive terms until 2012.
Vatican News republished excerpts from his first homily as superior, delivered on Sept. 21, 2001, in which he reflected on the attacks. He stated: “We cannot fail to remember the tragic events that shook the United States on Sept. 11. The violence that the world witnessed last week in the United States is a tragic expression of a series of problems that are becoming increasingly acute everywhere.” He also warned: “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.”