On this way when all Americans and all people of good will remember with sadness the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Pope John Paul II’s words delivered to a general audience the day after the attacks remain as true and moving today as they were then. They are worth remembering.

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.