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Archbishop Ronald Hicks of New York and Religious Leaders Commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the September 11 Terrorist Attacks

Archbishop Ronald Hicks of New York led commemorations for the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, highlighting the role of faith in overcoming the tragedy. The attacks, which occurred at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in rural Pennsylvania, resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people. Archbishop Ronald Hicks of New York noted that while the events changed the world, they also provided a moment for people to rely on God and hope. He emphasized that healing and grieving take time, but hope remains eternal. The archdiocese held a vigil Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, which included family members of victims, first responders, and representatives from various religious groups. Other religious leaders also reflected on the anniversary. Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, called on Americans to rediscover their reliance on faith, noting the tremendous amount of pain witnessed at Ground Zero. Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis have all offered prayers for peace and expressed gratitude for the heroic goodness shown by people during the attacks. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops also called for a commitment to be instruments of peace in a fractured world.

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