VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV, history’s first American pope, called for a renewed commitment to peace on Sunday as he marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on his homeland.
The Chicago‑born pontiff offered his first public remarks to commemorate the milestone, delivering them in English during his customary Sunday noon blessing from his studio balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square.
“Two days ago marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States,” Leo said. “I renew my prayers for the fallen and for those still bearing the wounds of that tragedy.”
“At a time when conflict and violence afflict so many of our brethren, I invite all people to pray that the Lord grant his gift of peace to the world.”
Delivering his address in Italian thereafter, he stressed that recalling the tragic events twenty‑five years earlier compels us to renew our dedication to peace, especially through prayer.
On September 11, 2001, Robert Prevost was in Rome attending a large gathering of his Augustinian order. As the province leader for Chicago in the Augustinians, he joined the assembly, and he was subsequently chosen as superior of the entire order on September 14—the day of his birthday—a role he held for two consecutive terms until 2012.
Vatican News highlighted excerpts from his inaugural homily as superior, delivered on September 21, 2001, in which he reflect on the attacks.
“We must not forget the horrific events of September 11,” he declared. “What the world witnessed last week is a stark manifestation of broader crises that are growing ever more acute. Hatred and violence will persist as long as millions endure extreme poverty and oppression beneath layers of injustice.”
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