Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, emphasized the importance of peace during a speech on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The Chicago-born pontiff spoke from his studio window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, delivering his remarks in English. This moment marked his first public acknowledgement of the anniversary.
“Two days ago marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States of America,” said Pope Leo. “I renew my prayers for those who lost their lives and for those who continue to bear the wounds of that tragic day.” He urged people to pray for peace, highlighting the suffering caused by ongoing conflict and violence globally.
Addressing the crowd from the Apostolic Palace, he continued in Italian, “The memory of the tragic events of 25 years ago pushes us to renew our commitment to peace, above all with prayer.”
On September 11, 2001, Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was in Rome at an assembly of his Augustinian religious order. Then the Chicago provincial leader, he was elected superior on September 14, a role he held until 2012. Vatican News revisited excerpts from his first homily as superior, delivered on September 21, 2001. In it, he reflected on the attacks, lamenting the violence and urging for addressing the underlying issues of poverty and injustice.
Historically, the area known as Ground Zero has been visited by two popes. Pope Benedict visited in 2008, followed by Pope Francis in 2015.