Pope John Paul II called on Christians to pray for the forgiveness of those responsible for the September 11 terrorist attacks as the world paid homage to their victims today.
During a ceremony at the Vatican marking the first anniversary of the attacks which killed more than 3,000 people, the pope roundly condemned terrorism, which he described as "barbarous and cruel".
"Let us pray for the victims to rest in peace, and may God show mercy and forgiveness for the authors of this horrible terrorist attack," he said in Polish.
A prayer read out in Arabic during the ceremony called on "believers from all religions to firmly reject all forms of violence."
The Vatican has come out strongly against military action. Its foreign minister Archbishop Jean Louis Tauran yesterday said: "One could legitimately ask if the type of operation (against Iraq) being considered is an adequate means to work towards a true peace."
Pope John Paul II was speaking to a group of fellow Poles when he made his remarks about forgiveness, and he drew a link between the victims of the September 11 attacks and Polish victims of Nazi Germany.
He said the anniversary of the September 11 attacks must also be a time for those who "planned and carried out such a barbarous and cruel plan" to examine their conscience.
"No feelings of frustration, no philosophy, or religion can justify such an aberration," the pope told 7,000 pilgrims at his weekly general audience.
John Paul II reiterated his call on world leaders for an "urgent, concerted and resolute" effort towards new political and economic initiatives to resolve injustice and oppression in the world.
"When fundamental rights are violated, it is easy to fall prey to temptations of hatred and violence. We need to build together a culture of solidarity which will give back to the young hope for the future."
"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."
AFP