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Pope Leo XIV Marks 25th Anniversary of 9/11 with Prayers for Peace
Confirmed
In Short: Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, called for renewed commitment to peace on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, marked the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by calling for a renewed commitment to peace on Sunday. Speaking from his studio window overlooking St. Peter's Square, Leo XIV reflected on the tragic events of 2001 and urged a global effort towards peace.
In his remarks, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the importance of prayer, particularly invoking the intercession of the Virgin Mary. He emphasized that hatred and violence would continue to grow as long as people lived in extreme poverty and faced injustice. The Pope also referenced the biblical story of Peter and Jesus, noting that forgiveness should be abundant and generous.
Pope Leo XIV's message was clear: the memory of the 9/11 attacks should push the world to renew its commitment to peace. He specifically mentioned the need to pray for those who lost their lives and for those who continue to bear the wounds of that tragic day. The Pope's call for peace came at a time when conflicts and violence were affecting many parts of the world.
During his address, Pope Leo XIV also greeted pilgrims from various countries, including groups from Brazil and other nations, as well as motorcyclists gathered in support of peace and life. His message resonated with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, who listened to his words with reverence and hope.
The Pope's remarks were part of a broader effort to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. His call for peace echoed the sentiments of previous popes who had visited Ground Zero, including Pope Benedict in 2008 and Pope Francis in 2015. Pope Leo XIV's message was a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of the 9/11 attacks and the ongoing need for global peace and understanding.
What's confirmed
- Updated on: September 13, 2026 / 7:36 AM EDT / CBS/AP Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, called for a renewed commitment to peace on Sunday as he marked 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks on his home country.
- "Two days ago marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States of America," Leo said.
- The Chicago-born pope made his first public comments to commemorate 25 years since the attacks, speaking in English at the end of his traditional Sunday noon blessing from his studio window overlooking St.
- In it, the future American pope reflected on the attacks.
- I renew my prayers for those who lost their lives and for those who continue to bear the wounds of that tragic day.
- 11, 2001, the former Robert Prevost was in Rome attending a big assembly of his Augustinian religious order.
- Peter’s Square, the Chicago-born pope made his first public comments commemorating the occasion following his traditional Sunday noon blessing.
What's still developing
- 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.
- At the time, he was the Chicago provincial leader of the Augustinians.
- Prevost was elected superior of the entire order on Sept.
- 14, his birthday, a position he held for two consecutive terms until 2012.
- Vatican News on Sunday republished excerpts of his first homily as superior, delivered on Sept.
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