Statement of Pope John Paul II
GENERAL AUDIENCE
Wednesday 12 September 2001
I
cannot begin this audience without expressing my profound sorrow at the
terrorist attacks which yesterday brought death and destruction to
America, causing thousands of victims and injuring countless people. To
the President of the United States and to all American citizens I
express my heartfelt sorrow. In the face of such unspeakable horror we
cannot but be deeply disturbed. I add my voice to all the voices raised
in these hours to express indignant condemnation, and I strongly
reiterate that the ways of violence will never lead to genuine solutions
to humanity's problems.
Yesterday was a dark day in the history of humanity, a terrible
affront to human dignity. After receiving the news, I followed with
intense concern the developing situation, with heartfelt prayers to the
Lord. How is it possible to commit acts of such savage cruelty? The
human heart has depths from which schemes of unheard-of ferocity
sometimes emerge, capable of destroying in a moment the normal daily
life of a people. But faith comes to our aid at these times when words
seem to fail. Christ's word is the only one that can give a response to
the questions which trouble our spirit. Even if the forces of darkness
appear to prevail, those who believe in God know that evil and death do
not have the final say. Christian hope is based on this truth; at this
time our prayerful trust draws strength from it. With deeply felt
sympathy I address myself to the beloved people of the United States in
this moment of distress and consternation, when the courage of so many
men and women of good will is being sorely tested. In a special way I
reach out to the families of the dead and the injured, and assure them
of my spiritual closeness. I entrust to the mercy of the Most High the
helpless victims of this tragedy, for whom I offered Mass this morning,
invoking upon them eternal rest. May God give courage to the survivors;
may he sustain the rescue-workers and the many volunteers who are
presently making an enormous effort to cope with such an immense
emergency. I ask you, dear brothers and sisters, to join me in prayer
for them. Let us beg the Lord that the spiral of hatred and violence
will not prevail. May the Blessed Virgin, Mother of Mercy, fill the
hearts of all with wise thoughts and peaceful intentions.
Today, my heartfelt sympathy is with the American people,
subjected yesterday to inhuman terrorist attacks which have taken the
lives of thousands of innocent human beings and caused unspeakable
sorrow in the hearts of all men and women of good will. Yesterday was
indeed a dark day in our history, an appalling offence against peace, a
terrible assault against human dignity. I invite you all to join me in
commending the victims of this shocking tragedy to Almighty God' s
eternal love. Let us implore his comfort upon the injured, the families
involved, all who are doing their utmost to rescue survivors and help
those affected. I ask God to grant the American people the strength and
courage they need at this time of sorrow and trial.
