Pope Leo XIV, recognized as history's first American pope, utilized his traditional Sunday noon blessing to call for a renewed global dedication to peace. Speaking from his studio window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, the Chicago-born pontiff addressed the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.
Addressing the crowd in English, the Pope stated, "Two days ago marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States of America." He continued by renewing his prayers for those who lost their lives on that day, as well as for the individuals who continue to live with the physical and emotional wounds of the tragedy. He invited the faithful to pray that the Lord would bestow the gift of peace upon a world he noted is currently afflicted by widespread conflict and violence.
Speaking in Italian, the Pope emphasized that the memory of the events from 25 years ago serves as a push to renew a commitment to peace, particularly through prayer. On September 11, 2001, the man then known as Robert Prevost was in Rome attending an assembly for his Augustinian religious order. At the time, he was serving as the Chicago provincial leader of the Augustinians. Shortly after the attacks, on September 14, which was his birthday, he was elected superior of the entire order, a role he maintained for two consecutive terms until 2012.
In recognition of the anniversary, Vatican News republished excerpts from his first homily as superior, which was delivered on September 21, 2001. In that reflection, the future pope noted that the violence witnessed in the United States was a tragic expression of systemic problems becoming acute globally. He stated at the time that hatred and violence would continue to escalate as long as many people are forced to live in extreme poverty and remain oppressed by various forms of injustice.
