The Popes and 9/11: Christ’s light in history’s darkest hour

Summary

The article reviews Catholic responses to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, emphasizing repeated appeals by Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis for peace, reconciliation, and respect for human life. It recalls that the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and describes John Paul II’s immediate prayer, condolences to President George W. Bush, and remarks calling the attacks an inhuman affront to human dignity. The article also highlights a September 21, 2001 homily by Augustinian priest Robert Francis Prevost, later Pope Leo XIV, who warned that poverty and injustice could contribute to growing hatred and violence and urged Christians to promote unity, dialogue, peace, and reconciliation. On the first anniversary, John Paul II condemned terrorism, oppression, armed violence, and war, presenting reason and love as means of resolving disputes. Benedict XVI’s 2008 visit to Ground Zero is portrayed as a prayer for peace and a symbol of rebuilding. In 2011, Benedict stressed that terrorism can never be justified and that every human life is precious. During his 2015 Ground Zero visit, Francis condemned violence, hatred, and revenge, and in 2021 called for active commitment to peace and nonviolent conflict resolution.