Pope Leo XIV Commemorates 9/11 Anniversary, Urges Global Peace

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, called for a strengthened dedication to peace on Sunday as he observed the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on his home country.

Speaking in English from his studio window overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the conclusion of his traditional Sunday Angelus prayer, the Chicago-born pontiff addressed the global gathering. “Two days ago marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States of America,” Leo said. “I renew my prayers for those who lost their lives and for those who continue to bear the wounds of that tragic day.”

The pope emphasized the need for spiritual reflection amid ongoing global instability. He added that “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.” Transitioning to Italian, he noted, “The memory of the tragic events of 25 years ago pushes us to renew our commitment to peace, above all with prayer.”

The anniversary holds particular significance for Leo, born Robert Prevost. On September 11, 2001, he was in Rome attending a major assembly of his Augustinian religious order, where he served as the Chicago provincial leader. Just three days later, on his birthday, September 14, Prevost was elected superior of the entire order, a role he held for two consecutive terms until 2012.

Vatican News highlighted this historical connection by republishing excerpts from Prevost’s first homily as superior, delivered on September 21, 2001. In that address, the future American pope reflected deeply on the atrocities.

“We cannot fail to remember the tragic events that shook the United States on Sept. 11,” he stated in the homily. “The violence that the world witnessed last week in the United States is a tragic expression of a series of problems that are becoming increasingly acute everywhere.” He further observed that hatred and violence would persist as long as populations were subjected to extreme poverty and injustice.