09/12/01

 Statement of Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago

CHICAGO, September 12, 2001

Even before we fully grasp the terrible tragedy of the September 11 events, we stand together in mutual solidarity and support.  Even before the analyses that will fill the coming days and weeks, we know that nothing can justify the evil that has caused this tragedy.  It is a senseless destruction of human life and God’s creation.

The psalmist tells us, “the Lord is compassionate to all his creatures” (Psalm 145).  Many people of faith will reach behind their fear and rage to a compassion that must include, first of all, the victims.  We ask for God’s mercy on all who have died, on their families and friends and on those who are still suffering physically and emotionally from these attacks. May they feel the healing presence of God’s compassion.

We are filled with gratitude towards those who continue to be engaged in the work of rescue, many at the cost of their lives or their health.  They are heroes and all of us are in their debt.

Because “the Lord is compassionate to all his creatures” we must pray also that those who have planned and executed these crimes may be delivered from hatred and every trace of fanaticism so that the Lord may bring good out of evil.

Catholics believe that, through the Cross of Jesus Christ, even the darkest questions in human life find a response with the assurance that evil and death do not finally overcome the promise of life given by a compassionate God.  I ask all Catholics of Chicago to pray for peace in the days and weeks to come.

These are the desires we bring to the interfaith series of prayer being held in Holy Name Cathedral tomorrow, Thursday, when we Catholics of Chicago will gather with our Christian brothers and sisters and those of the other world faiths.  There we shall commend to the God of love and mercy all who in any way have been touched by this terrible tragedy.

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