Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, urged a renewed dedication to peace on Sunday, marking 25 years since the September 11 attacks in the United States. The Chicago-born pontiff made his initial public remarks to observe the anniversary, addressing followers in English from his studio window overlooking St. Peter’s Square.

“Two days ago marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States of America,” Leo XIV stated. “I renew my prayers for those who lost their lives and for those who continue to bear the wounds of that tragic day.”

He emphasized that amidst global conflict and violence, he invited everyone to pray for peace. Leo XIV spoke from the window of the Apostolic Palace during his Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican, urging global commitment to peace through prayer, particularly in remembrance of the events 25 years ago.

On September 11, 2001, the former Robert Prevost was present in Rome for a significant assembly of his Augustinian religious order. Then serving as the Chicago provincial leader of the Augustinians, he was elected as the superior of the order on September 14, coinciding with his birthday. Prevost held the position for two terms until 2012.

Vatican News shared excerpts from his initial homily as superior, delivered on September 21, 2001, where he reflected on the attacks:

“We cannot fail to remember the tragic events that shook the United States on Sept. 11,” he noted in his homily. “The violence witnessed last week in the United States reflects a series of increasingly acute problems globally.” He highlighted that hatred and violence persist while many endure poverty and are oppressed by various injustices.

Pope Benedict visited Ground Zero in 2008, followed by Pope Francis in 2015, further illustrating the Catholic Church’s ongoing engagement with the memory of 9/11.