Pope John Paul II's response to the September 11 attacks

Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, Pope John Paul II described the events as a “dark and tragic moment” in history and a “terrible affront to human dignity.” Upon receiving news of the attacks, the Pope expressed his condolences to President George W. Bush via telegram, characterizing the violence as “inhuman” and an “unspeakable horror.”

During a subsequent General Audience in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope emphasized that while the attacks were a turning point in world history, the response should focus on unity and dialogue rather than revenge. He argued that the fight against terrorism must adhere to the principles of just war and noted that the root of such cruelty lies in the distortion of monotheism.

Biographer George Weigel has noted that despite these warnings, Western political elites have often failed to address the religious dimensions of conflict, specifically the ideology of jihadism. Weigel suggests that the post-9/11 era has been marked by a failure to recognize religion's significant role in international politics, leading to continued global instability.