VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 11, 2002 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of John Paul II’s address at today’s general audience, held in Paul VI Hall.
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1. Innumerable people all over the world turn in thought today to the city of New York, where on Sept. 11 of last year, the twin towers of the World Trade Center collapsed as the consequence of a cruel attack, engulfing in their ruin many of our innocent brothers and sisters.
A year later, we want to remember these victims of terrorism again, and entrust them to the mercy of God. At the same time, we wish to renew our expression of spiritual support to their families and dear ones. But we also want to challenge the consciences of those who planned and executed such a barbarous and cruel plan.
A year after Sept. 11, 2001, we repeat that no situation of injustice, no sense of frustration, no philosophy or religion can justify such an aberration. Every human person has the right to have their life and dignity respected, which are inviolable goods. God says this, international law sanctions it, the human conscience proclaims it, civil coexistence demands it.
2. Terrorism is and always will be a manifestation of inhuman cruelty that, precisely because of this, will never be able to resolve conflicts among human beings. Outrage, armed violence [and] war are choices that only sow and generate hatred and death. Only reason and love are valid means to overcome and resolve differences between persons and peoples.
An agreed and resolute effort is still necessary and urgent to undertake new political and economic initiatives capable of resolving the scandalous situations of injustice and oppression, which continue to afflict so many members of the human family, creating conditions that are favorable to the uncontrollable explosion of rancor. When fundamental rights are violated, it is easy to fall prey to temptations of hatred and violence. It is necessary to build together a global culture of solidarity, which will again give youth hope in the future.
3. I wish to repeat to all the words of the Bible: «The Lord … comes to govern the earth, to govern the world with justice and the peoples with faithfulness» (Psalm 95[96]:13). Liberty and peace can only spring from truth and justice. On these values it is possible to build a life worthy of man. Outside of these there is only ruin and destruction.
On this very sad anniversary, we raise our prayer to God: may love replace hatred and, with the efforts of all people of good will, may concord and solidarity be established in every corner of the earth.
[Translation by ZENIT]
[The Holy Father then summarized his address in several languages, including French, English, German, Spanish and Portuguese. In English, he said:]
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today our thoughts turn to the terrible events of September 11 last year, symbolized in the destruction of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, with the death of so many innocent people.
We address an ardent prayer to Almighty God for the victims of that terrorist act. No situation of hurt, no philosophy or religion, can ever justify such a grave offense against human life and dignity. Violence can only lead to further hatred and destruction. It can never lead to correct solutions to the scandalous imbalances and injustices existing in the world.
The Lord judges the world with justice and truth (see Psalm 95, 13). May he help all peoples to seek the justice and truth that brings freedom and peace.
I extend a special welcome to the Benedictine Nuns and Sisters present. May you successfully assimilate the passing concerns of the world into the profound God-centered spirituality which has always been the life of your Order.
Upon all the English-speaking visitors and pilgrims, especially those from England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia, and the United States of America, I invoke the abundant grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[The Pope then expressed special greetings to groups of pilgrims in a number of languages, including Dutch, Czech, Slovak, Hungarian, Ukrainian, Latvian and Italian. During the Prayer of the Faithful, the Holy Father said in English:]
For the victims of violence and terrorism, and in particular for those who were cruelly snatched from their loved ones a year ago today, that they may be welcomed to the banquet of life, where there will be no more weeping, mourning, or anxiety. Let us ask, too, that the living may not lack the comfort of faith and fraternal support. Let us pray.
[John Paul II concluded the audience with the following prayer]
Holy Father, God of infinite mercy, have pity for so many injustices that stain the conscience of mankind. Infuse in the heart of every man and every woman the powerful breath of your Holy Spirit, so that together, day by day, they may grow in concord and form a great family, where all are accepted and recognized as your children. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Son of the Immaculate Virgin, our Lord, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
[Original English texts distributed by Vatican Press Office]
