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What to do with a Gospel text that asks us to forgive two days after 9/11?
Confirmed
In Short: Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of forgiveness in his Angelus address, reflecting on Jesus' example even on the cross.
VATICAN CITY (OSV News) — The following is the full text of Pope Leo XIV’s Angelus address given Sunday, September 11, which focused on the Gospel message of forgiveness, a fundamental aspect of the Christian life.
Today’s Gospel speaks to us of forgiveness, which is a cornerstone of the Christian existence, as Jesus taught and exemplified even on the cross, where he prayed to the Father for his persecutors with the familiar words: 'Forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing' (Lk 23:34).
Forgiveness is indispensable, and without it, we cannot live in peace, Pope Leo XIV reminded the faithful.
The address came as the world commemorated the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, one of the darkest days in recent American history, underscoring the relevance of Jesus' teachings in times of great sorrow and division.
What's confirmed
- Today’s Gospel speaks to us of forgiveness, which is a fundamental feature of the Christian life.
- Jesus taught and exemplified forgiveness even on the cross, where he prayed to the Father for his persecutors with the familiar words: “Forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” ( Lk 23:34 ).
- With these words, Jesus reminds us that gift and forgiveness are the foundation of our existence.
- Forgiveness is indispensable, and without it, we cannot live in peace.
What's still developing
- Nearby Goa shelved a similar bill days after its cabinet approved it.
- The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, passed by the state assembly in March under the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalition government, took effect four days after 20 civil rights, secular, and Christian groups made a final plea for its repeal at a press conference in Mumbai, the state capital.
- Charlie Kirk was a uniquely gifted communicator, using his platform to educate, challenge, and even preach the gospel.