>Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2001 06:03:54 -0500
>X-PH: V4.4@cecasun
>To: [log in to unmask]
>From: [log in to unmask] (CIN)
>Subject: Holy Father's Statement
>Reply-to: [log in to unmask]
>
>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.
>
>Pope John Paul II
>
>
>
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