Vatican City, Sep 11, 2019 / 03:28 am (CNA).- As three airliners smashed into the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon, and Flight 93 crashed into a Pennsylvania field on September 11, 2001, Joaquín Navarro-Valls, at the time the director of the Vatican press office, delivered the news to Pope John Paul II.
“I remember that terrible afternoon as if it were yesterday. I called the Pope, who was at Castel Gandolfo, I gave him the news. He was shocked not only by the tragedy itself, but also because he could not explain how man could achieve this abyss of evil…” he recalled in a 2011 interview with Vatican Insider.
John Paul II, who had grown up to watch his native Poland overtaken first by Nazis and then by the Soviets, and who as Pope navigated the dangerous international waters of the Cold War, was no stranger to tragedy and war.
Still, the terror attacks on the United States shook him deeply.
“He was deeply shaken, saddened. But I remember that he asked himself how so heinous an attack could happen. His dismay, in front of those images went beyond pain,” Navarro-Valls recalled.
“He stayed for short time in front of the TV. Then he retired to the chapel, which is only a few steps away from the TV room. And he remained there a long time in prayer. He also wanted to get in touch with George Bush, to communicate his support, his pain, his prayer. But it was not possible to contact the president, who for security reasons was flying on Air Force One.”
Instead, Pope John Paul II decided to send his message of condolences and assurance of prayers via telegram, and was among the first of the world leaders to do so that day.
“I hurry to express to you and your fellow citizens my profound sorrow and my closeness in prayer for the nation at this dark and tragic moment,” the Pope wrote.
In a 2011 article in the National Catholic Register, James Nicholson, who was the new United States ambassador to the Holy See in 2001, recalled his first meeting with John Paul II, just two days after the terror attacks.
“The first thing the Pope said to me was how sorry he felt for my country, which had just been attacked, and how sad it made him feel. We next said a prayer together for the victims and their families.”
“Then the Pope said something very profound and very revealing of his acute grasp of international terrorism. He said, ‘Ambassador Nicholson, this was an attack, not just on the United States, but on all of humanity.’ And, then he added, ‘We must stop these people who kill in the name of God.’”
September 11, 2001 was a Tuesday.
The next day, Wednesday, is when the Pope is scheduled each week to address the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
While John Paul II normally used this as a time for catechesis on the family or other issues, he set everything aside on September 12 to address the tragedy from which the world was still reeling.
Below is the full text of his words to the United States:
I cannot begin this audience without expressing my profound sorrow at the terrorist attacks which yesterday brought death and destruction to America, causing thousands of victims and injuring countless people. To the President of the United States and to all American citizens I express my heartfelt sorrow. In the face of such unspeakable horror we cannot but be deeply disturbed. I add my voice to all the voices raised in these hours to express indignant condemnation, and I strongly reiterate that the ways of violence will never lead to genuine solutions to humanity’s problems.
Yesterday was a dark day in the history of humanity, a terrible affront to human dignity. After receiving the news, I followed with intense concern the developing situation, with heartfelt prayers to the Lord. How is it possible to commit acts of such savage cruelty? The human heart has depths from which schemes of unheard-of ferocity sometimes emerge, capable of destroying in a moment the normal daily life of a people. But faith comes to our aid at these times when words seem to fail. Christ’s word is the only one that can give a response to the questions which trouble our spirit. Even if the forces of darkness appear to prevail, those who believe in God know that evil and death do not have the final say. Christian hope is based on this truth; at this time our prayerful trust draws strength from it.
With deeply felt sympathy I address myself to the beloved people of the United States in this moment of distress and consternation, when the courage of so many men and women of good will is being sorely tested. In a special way I reach out to the families of the dead and the injured, and assure them of my spiritual closeness. I entrust to the mercy of the Most High the helpless victims of this tragedy, for whom I offered Mass this morning, invoking upon them eternal rest. May God give courage to the survivors; may he sustain the rescue-workers and the many volunteers who are presently making an enormous effort to cope with such an immense emergency. I ask you, dear brothers and sisters, to join me in prayer for them. Let us beg the Lord that the spiral of hatred and violence will not prevail. May the Blessed Virgin, Mother of Mercy, fill the hearts of all with wise thoughts and peaceful intentions.
Today, my heartfelt sympathy is with the American people, subjected yesterday to inhuman terrorist attacks which have taken the lives of thousands of innocent human beings and caused unspeakable sorrow in the hearts of all men and women of good will. Yesterday was indeed a dark day in our history, an appalling offence against peace, a terrible assault against human dignity.
I invite you all to join me in commending the victims of this shocking tragedy to Almighty God’ s eternal love. Let us implore his comfort upon the injured, the families involved, all who are doing their utmost to rescue survivors and help those affected.
I ask God to grant the American people the strength and courage they need at this time of sorrow and trial.
Below is the full text of Pope John Paul II’s prayers for the faithful and intentions on September 12, 2001:
Brothers and Sisters, in great dismay, before the horror of destructive violence, but strong in the faith that has always guided our fathers, we turn to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, salvation of his people, and with the confidence of children, pray that He will come to our aid in these days of mourning and innocent suffering.
Cantor:
Dominum deprecemur: Te rogamus, audi nos.
1. For the Churches of the East and the West, and in particular for the Church in the United States of America so that, though humbled by loss and mourning, yet inspired by the Mother of the Lord, strong woman beside the cross of her Son, they may foster the will for reconciliation, peace, and the building of the civilization of love.
2. For all those who bear the name of Christian, so that, in the midst of many persons who are tempted to hatred and doubt, they will be witnesses to the presence of God in history and the victory of Christ over death.
3. For the leaders of nations, so that they will not allow themselves to be guided by hatred and the spirit of retaliation, but may do everything possible to prevent new hatred and death, by bringing forth works of peace.
4. For those who are weeping in sorrow over the loss of relatives and friends, that in this hour of suffering they will not be overcome by sadness, despair and vengeance, but continue to have faith in the victory of good over evil, of life over death.
5. For those suffering and wounded by the terrorist acts, that they may return to stability and health and, appreciating the gift of life, may generously foster the will to contribute to the well being of every human being.
6. For our brothers and sisters who met death in the folly of violence, that they find sure joy and life everlasting in the peace of the Lord, that their death may not be in vain but become a leaven bringing forth a season of brotherhood and collaboration among peoples.
The Holy Father:
O Lord Jesus, remember our deceased and suffering brothers before your Father.
Remember us also, as we begin to pray with your words: Pater noster…
O Almighty and merciful God,
you cannot be understood by one who sows discord, you cannot be accepted by one who loves violence: look upon our painful human condition tried by cruel acts of terror and death, comfort your children and open our hearts to hope, so that our time may again know days of serenity and peace.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
[…]
Unbelievable. Truly, truly, truly.
This pope’s “radical inclusiveness” apparently embraces any and all paths to orgasm. Or, at least, views them as “not a settled matter.”
Poor Jesus. He knew.
“…when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”
The last sentence reads, “This is a developing story.”
I hardly think so. It’s a story of gravely disturbing deterioration and dissolution.
Authored by the evil one.
It’s almost like a pattern has emerged, but no; it can’t be.
I can’t wait until Hollerich makes his next statement on the beauty of relationships centered on anal sex. Everyone will express wonderment on how such things could be said by a high-ranking Cardinal, especially since it contradicts the “clear teachings of Pope Francis.” No one would know or care about this guy (or McElroy) if Francis had not promoted him precisely because of, not despite, his views on sexual morality. Let’s agree to end the charade before it starts up again. It’s better for everyone’s mental and moral health.
Courtney Mares CNA acknowledges the propriety of Synod on Synodality [SOS] Relator Card Hollerich’s addition to the advisory C9. And adds insightfully that Pope Francis holds him in high esteem. A fellow Jesuit with apparently similar progressive vision, particularly on homosexuality.
His SOS [SOS, the ‘Save our ship’ distress signal fits well with the Synod on Synodality and a barque taking on water] needs to be monitored. In olden golden days the pontiff’s mission would be moral scrutiny of the proceedings. Whether doctrine was secure. Today it’s whether doctrine is holding up pastoral advancement in an enlarged tent Church. Francis keeps barking, Radical inclusion! like a carnival barker. The rest of us, the suffering Church, continue to suffer white martyrdom, after years of negligence saying our rosaries, [some priests even reciting the entire Office of Hours], rising for vigils, penance, fast and prayer, Lent or not. If not we had better.
I’ve said it before, that a Brooklyn boyhood conviction was that if the moral darkness of homosexuality were ever to be embraced by the Catholic Church it would surely signal end times. We’re there. At least by indication. Francis’ high level appointments of Hollerich [and a similar cadre of others] indicates that embrace.
What will happen may well be in our hands insofar as outcome. We can, besides penance and prayer change the course of events by combating evil with good, insult and reprimand with kindness, contempt with love. The weapons of the saints. And of course, the firm witness of the spoken word, and the written word.
SOS = Save Our Sacraments, right?
That’s the encrypted message Donna. Only those with faith can decipher the code.
Keep saying those rosaries father. Our Lady’s triumph is near as we see the enemy make bold public announcements. They know their time is short and are showing their cards for all to see. Our Lady of Good Success pray for us.
Get it right…
Cardinal Hollerich’s comment last fall was not limited to the possibility of blessing same-sex unions: “I believe that the sociological-scientific foundation of this teaching [on sexual morality] is no longer true [….] I think it’s time we make a fundamental revision of the doctrine” https://www.aol.com/news/liberal-cardinal-calls-revised-catholic-135429645-181222377.html
On the other hand, removal of Cardinal Marx seems to indicate that the German non-synod, with all of its inventions, no longer has the inside track as part of the C9.
Would like to hear more about the other new appointees. Cardinal La Croix seems a breath of fresh air, as Hollerich’s synods ripen: “I’m going to be different. One thing is certain. I will preach the Gospel. If people expect something else, they’ll be disappointed” (Wikipedia).
No disappointment in hearing the gospel preached!
Mark 16:15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Acts 10:42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.
Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This pope is determined to bring schism. Then he will be able to cast out all those who disagree with him, all who criticize him, all who want the Church to hold fast to the apostolic faith. He will stop at nothing to push faithful Catholics out of the Church.
And a word of advice to bishops. When you cover for this mad man, you have become part of the problem. You are accustomed to circle the wagons around your “brother bishops” including the pope. The gig is up. It is time for you to take a stand, even if it means losing your career. This is the time we find out what our bishops are made of.
They are to “assist with the governance of the church”?? If the Pope finds himself unable to handle the workload, maybe he should follow in the footsteps of Pope Benedict and resign.
And the “Synod to Destroy the Catholic Church” progresses . . .
Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich is blessed with a creative, constructive, and a dynamic vision. The Luxembourger is serving the church with dedication and distinction. May his tribe increase.
Instead of your usual nonsensical rhetoric, ‘Dr.’, present your argument that the Church has been in error for centuries regarding the heterodoxy of the Cardinal and the new ‘virtue’ of accepted homosexual practice.
Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church, ‘doctor’.
Thanks Ram,
indeed Catechism of the CC has to be read, meditated upon, discussed with fellow mortals, and then prayerfully applied to situations during our brief onward pilgrimage.
Very clever promotion of situation ethics!
About which, St. John Paul II augmented the mentioned Catechism (1992) with his Veritatis Splendor (1993)–and the reality of moral absolutes revealed for the benefit of we “fellow mortals…during our brief onward (?) pilgrimage”:
“…the commandment of love of God and neighbor does not have in its dynamic any higher limit, but it does have a lower limit, beneath which the commandment is broken” (n. 52).
“The relationship between faith and morality shines forth with all its brilliance in the unconditional respect due to the insistent demands of the personal dignity of every man [italics], demands protected by those moral norms which prohibit without exception [!] actions which are intrinsically evil” [!] (n. 90).
“The Church is no way [!] the author or the arbiter of this [‘moral’] norm” (n. 95).
If only those last six prohibitive commandments could be “prayerfully” cancel-cultured, with your clever approval.
Or the depraved, self-serving vision of a practicing homosexual whose cognitive dissonance leads him to insist on the supremacy of homosexual culture.
In an interview with The Pillar, Cardinal Hollerich remarks: “In Japan, I got to know a different way of thinking. The Japanese don’t think in terms of the European logic of opposites. We say: It is black, therefore it is not white. The Japanese say: It is white, but maybe it is also black. You can combine opposites in Japan without changing your point of view.” https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/who-is-cardinal-hollerich .
Three snapshots, plus a conclusion:
FIRST, from the internet we learn: “Onmyōdō (陰陽道, also In’yōdō, lit. ‘The Way of Yin and Yang’) is a system of natural science, astronomy, almanac, divination and magic that developed independently in Japan based on the Chinese philosophies of yin and yang and wuxing (five elements).”
SECOND, and: “It is a system of belief based on the ancient Chinese theories of Yin and Yang and of the five elements and the magical practices that developed after it was introduced into Japan. Its traces are still found in the life of- today’s Japanese.”
THIRD, and: “Yang elements include light, fire, rain, and the heavens. Yin elements include darkness, water, wind, and the earth. Male traits are yang, and female traits are yin. Yang qualities are active, while yin qualities are passive. Everything in the universe results from the interaction of yin and yang.”
CONCLUSION: Who needs supernatural revelation from a Triune God, and the Gospel of the incarnate Jesus Christ, (or Veritatis Splendor and moral absolutes!) when these can be replaced—synodally!—with Yin and Yang? Who needs binary sexuality (black and white?) when the interreligious dispensation—according to Shinto Master Hollerich—is the “interacting” and harmonized, big-tent, grey, middle-ground “third option” of homosexuality (and by extension all of gender theory)?