Pope Francis reminisces heroism at 9/11 Memorial during United States visit

Pope Francis' visit to the US includes a visit to the 9/11 memorial

A powerful message about heroism was delivered by Pope Francis at the 9/11 memorial during his visit. He encouraged the crowd to reject hate and violence and to embrace a spirit of reconciliation.

HOLLYWOOD, CA  (Catholic Online) - Pope Francis' itinerary during his first visit to the United States included a visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, where he participated in prayer with the crowd and encouraged each and every person in the audience to reject hate and violence and to embrace the spirit of reconciliation. 

Before the prayer event, the pontiff met with the families of the heroes who responded during the 9/11 attack. These first responders bravely rushed to assist in the wake of the terrorist attack and the pope offered a prayer in hopes and faith that God grant "eternal light and peace to all who died." 
After his invocation, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of the Park Avenue Synagogue as and Imam Khalid Latif, a chaplain at New York University, offered a reflection. Several additional meditations were then held, which included prayers from the Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh traditions.
The Pope then delivered brief remarks during the event. He highlighted the emotions he experienced at the former site of the World Trade Center. "Water falling also symbolizes our tears, the tears shed for destructions of yesterday who are joined by so much destruction today. It is water that reminds us of yesterday's tears," he said.
The pontiff believed the memorial was a place where individuals who have been touched by the tragedy could mourn and reflect. He lamented the "death of the innocent because we were not able to find solutions for the common good." 
Pope Francis also remembered the "heroic goodness" from the people who worked diligently to save the others during the wake of the tragedy. The site was referred by the pope as a place of death and life.
The pope continued, "At that time, it wasn't about blood, or origin, or neighborhood, or origin or political views. It was a matter of solidarity.it was a matter of humanity. New York firemen and women came into the towers that were crumbling without much thinking about their own lives. Many fell in their duty and with their sacrifice they allowed for so many others to survive.
He then proclaimed it is "possible to live in a world of peace" and called for a moment of silence and prayer to conclude the event.

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