ROME — Several hundred people gathered in Rome’s Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere last night to remember the victims of 9/11 and all victims of terrorism around the world.
The ambassadors of Ireland and Great Britain to the Holy See and staff members of the U.S. embassy to the Vatican joined in praying for those who died, for world leaders and for Pope Benedict XVI, for peacemakers, for greater understanding between people of different religions and for peace in the Holy Land.
As the petitions were read and the congregation responded with “Kyrie eleison” (“Lord, have mercy”), candles were lighted by members of the Community of Sant’Egidio, which sponsored the service.
Msgr. Matteo Zuppi, pastor of Santa Maria and a Sant’Egidio leader, told the congregation that the key to ensuring “true security is to sow seeds of love” because “every tiny spark of hatred” is a spark that contributes to disagreement and, ultimately, to war.
