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Pope Leo XIV Honors 25th Anniversary of 9/11 in Angelus Address
Confirmed
In Short: Pope Leo XIV commemorated the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks during his Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square, invoking peace and forgiveness.
Reflecting on the Sunday Gospel, the pope noted that Peter’s suggestion of forgiving someone seven times already indicated abundance, since the number seven symbolizes fullness in Scripture. "All things are given to us by God out of pure love, and none of us can claim to be perfect in responding to such goodness," he added.
Earlier, in his reflection before the Angelus, Leo XIV focused on the Christian meaning of forgiveness, recalling that Christ taught forgiveness and bore witness to it even on the cross, when he prayed to the Father for his persecutors. "Forgiveness is indispensable, and without it, we cannot live in peace," the Holy Father emphasized.
The pope then greeted the Romans and pilgrims gathered in the square, including groups from Brazil and other countries, who had traveled from Assisi along the Way of St. Francis.
What's confirmed
- Speaking in English after praying the Angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sept. 13, the pope recalled the 25th anniversary of the attacks, which was observed two days earlier.
- “Two days ago marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11th 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. 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,” he said.
- Reflecting on Peter’s question to Jesus about how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him, the pope noted that Peter’s suggestion of seven times already indicated abundance, since the number seven symbolizes fullness in Scripture.
- “All things are given to us by God out of pure love, and none of us can claim to be perfect in responding to such goodness. For this reason, gratuitousness — which is the source of our existence — is also the best rule for our life together,” the pope said.
- VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV remembered the victims of the Sept.
What's still developing
- The Holy Father marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept.
- VATICAN CITY (OSV News) — The following is the full text of Pope Leo XIV’s Angelus address given Sunday Sept.
- Today’s Gospel speaks to us of forgiveness, which is a fundamental feature of the Christian life.
- With these words, Jesus reminds us that gift and forgiveness are the foundation of our existence.