Oct. 11 Is Special Day of Prayer for Synod and Pope

VATICAN CITY, OCT. 10, 2001 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II will dedicate the one-month anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States to pray for world peace and, in part, for the conversion of the terrorists.

Following his Oct. 4 meeting with former U.S. President George Bush, John Paul II told the Synod of Bishops that the Holy See would join the United States in this memorial day.

According to the Vatican Press Office, the synodal sessions will begin Thursday with a moment of prayer. A Scripture reading and addresses by two of the assembly's participants will follow.

Then will come prayers for these six intentions: the deceased, government leaders, the conversion of the terrorists, the victims' relatives, rescue workers, and the "children of Abraham," namely, Jews, Muslims and Christians.

At the end of the sessions in the evening, the Pope will recite the rosary with the synod fathers in the hall.

In addition, a Mass will be celebrated in St. John Lateran, the Pope's cathedral. Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi are expected to attend.

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10. juli 2001