No justification for terrorism, Pope says on 9/11 anniversary

No circumstances, not even religious reasons, can justify acts of terrorism, Pope Benedict XVI said on the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the United States. The Pope stressed this in a letter he sent to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops president, New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan. “The tragedy of that day is compounded by the perpetrators’ claim to be acting in God’s name. Once again, it must be unequivocally stated that no circumstances can ever justify acts of terrorism. Every human life is precious in God’s sight and no effort should be spared in the attempt to promote throughout the world a genuine respect for the inalienable rights and dignity of individuals and peoples everywhere," Benedict XVI said in his letter, the text of which was posted on the Vatican's news portal. On Sept. 11, 2001, the world was shocked with the terrorist attack on the US that targeted two towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon building in Washington, DC. In his letter, the Pope also commended the American people for the courage and generosity they showed in the rescue operations and for their resilience in moving forward with hope and confidence. He also offered “fervent" prayers for a “firm commitment to justice" and a “global culture of solidarity" to rid the world of grievances that lead to acts of violence. “It is my fervent prayer that a firm commitment to justice and a global culture of solidarity will help rid the world of the grievances that so often give rise to acts of violence and will create the conditions for greater peace and prosperity, offering a brighter and more secure future," he said. A separate article on Radio Vaticana website noted Dolan is the archbishop of the city “where 10 years ago an unprecedented act of terror cost the lives of nearly 3,000 people and changed the world forever." The article added that the Pope said he hoped the families of the victims find some consolation. — MRT/LBG, GMA News