Just a month ago, I watched, together with all my collaborators at the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, with deep and growing dismay the scenes of human tragedy being played out before our very eyes. Immediately, I reached out in prayer and thought to the countless people directly struck by this terrible act. Quickly, however, I realized that so many more people were deeply affected by it: the families and friends of those caught in the World Trade Center, but also those who rushed to help and who gave a sterling witness to what it means to be ready to give one's life for people whom we have never met, never known, The world changed that day.

At the distance of a month, er remain all deeply aware that the new world that is now ours is unknown in its contours, that its future is as yet not clear. So I turn to you to tell you how close we are to you in spirit. The immediate reaction across the United States was to pray. In these prayers of you faithful, which you have so often led, at times with leaders of other faiths, we at the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace have found new hope.

Our reflections on the Social Teaching of the Church over the years have led each one of to appreciate the God-given dignity of each human person and to recoil before any affront to it. We have also meditated at length on the gifts that Jesus left us on the eve of his death: that of peace, that of reconciliation. Now the entire Church is being called to continue this very mission in a broken world.

The Holy Father has declared a Day of Prayer for Peace for October 11. I shall dedicate my prayer to you, joining in the spirit of you archdiocese so cruelly and directly struck by this recent tragedy. My prayer-our prayer at Justice and Peace-will be one for comfort and healing for the wounded and bereft, for courage for the pained and fearful, for hope and determination for all in building a new world where peace is not violence, pardon and reconciliation not hate will reign.

All at the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace join me in assuring you of our union and prayers.

Fraternally yours in Christ.


François-Xavier Card. Nguyên Van thuân
President