VATICAN CITY, September 11, 2001 - Upon hearing of the tragedy which struck New York and Washington this morning, which appears to be a terrorist attack, Pope John Paul II retreated to his private chapel to pray for the victims and for peace.
Both towers of the World Trade Center in downtown Manhattan have collapsed after two separate airplanes crashed into them. Thousands of people are feared dead. Another plane crashed into the Pentagon, the U.S. security headquarters, at around the same time. Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican Secretary of State, told Vatican Radio immediately after the news broke: "Having just heard of the tragic news in the United States, the Holy Father has gathered himself in prayer to implore the Lord for the end of so much fratricide and hatred."
John Paul II also sent a telegram to U.S. President George W. Bush: "SHOCKED BY THE UNSPEAKABLE HORROR OF TODAY'S INHUMAN TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST INNOCENT PEOPLE IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE UNITED STATES I HURRY TO EXPRESS TO YOU AND YOUR FELLOW CITIZENS MY PROFOUND SORROW AND MY CLOSENESS IN PRAYER FOR THE NATION AT THIS DARK AND TRAGIC MOMENT. COMMENDING THE VICTIMS TO ALMIGHTY GOD'S ETERNAL MERCY, I IMPLORE HIS STRENGTH UPON ALL INVOLVED IN RESCUE EFFORTS AND IN CARING FOR THE SURVIVORS. I BEG GOD TO SUSTAIN YOU AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE IN THIS HOUR OF SUFFERING AND TRIAL."
Inside the Vatican News service
11. september 2001