On the first anniversary of September 11th: "Never again violence! Never again war! Never again terrorism! In the name of God may every religion bring to earth Justice and Peace, Forgiveness and Life, Love!"

Vatican City (Fides Service) - 11 September 2001 - 11 September 11 2002: 12 months with Pope John Paul II for peace between peoples and harmony among religions.

17 May 2002 - Audience to new Ambassadors of eight countries
"Peace must be the first priority for all countries on all continents …No one can ignore the destiny of their brothers and sisters…diplomats is of the greatest importance. They are called to create bonds with one another and to build bridges between their respective countries, thus making a significant contribution to friendship among the peoples" http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/2002/may/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_20020517_ambassadors_en.html

19 May 2002 - Message for World Mission Sunday
"The evangelizing mission of the Church is essentially the announcement of God's love, mercy and forgiveness revealed to mankind through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ …God loves us and wants all people united in his loving mercy, he forgives us and asks us to forgive others even for the greatest offences." http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/messages/missions/documents/hf_jp-ii_mes_20020519_world-day-for-missions-2002_en.html

22 May 2002 - At Baku Airport (Azerbaijan)
"Religions… should not be used as a tragic excuse for enmities which have their origin elsewhere. I wish to raise my voice, in the spirit of the Assisi meetings. I ask religious leaders to reject all violence as offensive to the name of God, and to be tireless promoters of peace and harmony, with respect for the rights of one and all." http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/2002/may/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_20020522_arrival-azerbaijan_en.html

22 May, Meeting with representatives of other religions Baku (Azerbaijan)
"From this country, which has held and still holds tolerance as a primary value of all wholesome life in society, we wish to proclaim to the world: enough of wars in the name of God! … As long as I have breath within me I shall cry out: "Peace, in the name of God!" http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/2002/may/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_20020522_world-culture-azerbaijan_en.html

21 July 2002 -Angelus
"The tragic events of 11 September and the conflict in the Holy Land have cast over the world a dark shadow. Jesus urges his disciples not to be afraid…(Mt 5,13-14). The young Christians who will meet in Toronto are ready to reply to Christ: Here we are!" http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/angelus/2002/documents/hf_jp-ii_ang_20020721_en.html

23 July 2002 - Arrival in Toronto for World Youth Day
"Too many lives begin and end without joy, without hope. That is one of the principal reasons for the World Youth Day. Young people are coming together to commit themselves, in the strength of their faith in Jesus Christ, to the great cause of peace and human solidarity." http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/2002/july/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_20020723_wyd-arrival-toronto_en.html

18 August 2002 - In Krakow during Mass of Beatification
"The message of merciful love needs to resound forcefully anew. The world needs this love...The hour has come when the message of Divine Mercy is able to fill hearts with hope and to become the spark of a new civilization: the civilization of love." http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/homilies/2002/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_20020818_beatification-krakow_en.html

25 August 2002 - Angelus
"In a world that is increasingly interdependent, peace, justice and the safeguarding of creation must be the fruit of the common effort of all in pursuing together the common good."
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/angelus/2002/documents/hf_jp-ii_ang_20020825_en.html

1 September 2002 - Angelus
"A lasting peace is the right and the good of all."
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/angelus/2002/documents/hf_jp-ii_ang_20020901_en.html

7 September 2002 address to new British Ambassador to the Holy See
"As an essential part of its fight against all forms of terrorism, the international community is called to undertake new and creative political, diplomatic and economic initiatives aimed at relieving the scandalous situations of gross injustice, oppression and marginalization which continue to oppress countless members of the human family. History in fact shows that the recruitment of terrorists is more easily achieved in areas where human rights are trampled upon and where injustice is a part of daily life"
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/2002/september/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_20020907_ambassador-great-britain_en.html

11 September 2001 - telegramme to President Bush
SHOCKED BY THE UNSPEAKABLE HORROR OF TODAY'S INHUMAN TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST INNOCENT PEOPLE IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE UNITED STATES I HURRY TO EXPRESS TO YOU AND YOUR FELLOW CITIZENS MY PROFOUND SORROW AND MY CLOSENESS IN PRAYER FOR THE NATION AT THIS DARK AND TRAGIC MOMENT. COMMENDING THE VICTIMS TO ALMIGHTY GOD'S ETERNAL MERCY, I IMPLORE HIS STRENGTH UPON ALL INVOLVED IN RESCUE EFFORTS AND IN CARING FOR THE SURVIVORS. I BEG GOD TO SUSTAIN YOU AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE IN THIS HOUR OF SUFFERING AND TRIAL. http://www.vatican.va/cgi-bin/w3-msql/news_services/bulletin/news/9645.html?index=9645&po_date=12.09.2001&lang=it

12 September 2001 General Audience St Peter's Square
"Yesterday was a dark day in the history of humanity, a terrible affront to human dignity… But faith comes to our aid at these times when words seem to fail…Even if the forces of darkness appear to prevail, those who believe in God know that evil and death do not have the final say."
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/audiences/2001/documents/hf_jp-ii_aud_20010912_en.html

13 September - Address to new Ambassador of the United States to the Holy See
"At this time of national mourning… I wish to assure you personally of my profound participation in the grief of the American people and of my heartfelt prayers for the President and the civil authorities, for all involved in the rescue operations and in helping the survivors, and in a special way for the victims and their families".
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/2001/september/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_20010913_ambassador-usa_en.html

16 September 2001 - Angelus
"May the Blessed Virgin bring comfort and hope to those who suffer on account of the tragic attack of the terrorists…May Mary welcome the dead, console the survivors, support those families who are particularly tried, help all to resist the temptation to hatred and violence" . http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/angelus/2001/documents/hf_jp-ii_ang_20010916_en.html

19 September 2001 General Audience in St Peter's Square
"I invite you to pray in these days that Almighty God will guide the minds and hearts of world leaders so that the ways of justice and peace may prevail." http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/audiences/2001/documents/hf_jp-ii_aud_20010919_en.html

22-27 September 2001 - Papal Visit to Kazakhstan and Armenia

22 September 2001 - Welcome ceremony at Astana
"…controversies must be resolved not by recourse to arms but by the peaceful means of negotiation and dialogue. I can only encourage this type of commitment, which well corresponds to the fundamental demands of solidarity and peace…" http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/2001/september/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_20010922_kazakhstan-astana-arrival_en.html

23 September 2001 - Angelus at end of Mass in Astana
"I wish to make an earnest call to everyone, Christians and the followers of other religions, to work together to build a world without violence, a world that loves life, and grows in justice and solidarity. We must not let what has happened lead to a deepening of divisions. Religion must never be used as a reason for conflict."
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/angelus/2001/documents/hf_jp-ii_ang_20010923_kazakhstan-astana_en.html

24 September 2001 to the world of culture in Kazahstan
" I wish to reaffirm the Catholic Church's respect for Islam, for authentic Islam: the Islam that prays, that is concerned for those in need... Hatred, fanaticism and terrorism profane the name of God and disfigure the true image of man."
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/2001/september/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_20010924_kazakhstan-astana-culture_en.html

25 September 2001 - Welcome ceremony in Armenia
"Peace will only be built on the solid foundations of mutual respect, justice in inter-community relations, and magnanimity on the part of the strong".
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/2001/september/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_20010925_armenia-arrival_en.html

4 October 2001 - To the 10th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops
"This morning I received in audience Mr. George Bush senior, former President of the United States of America. I assured him that our Assembly is profoundly saddened by this tragedy which has shaken humanity. October 11 will be for us a day of prayer. In this assembly we too will pray for the victims and for peace in the world".
http://www.vatican.va/cgi-bin/w3-msql/news_services/bulletin/news/9760.html?index=9760&po_date=04.10.2001&lang=it

10 October 2001 - To English speaking pilgrims at the General Audience
"I extend a special greeting to the groups of young people from various countries present at this audience. I invite you all to pray for peace and to be committed to building a world without violence, founded on respect for the dignity of every human being".
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/audiences/2001/documents/hf_jp-ii_aud_20011010_en.html

11 October 2001 - To 10th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops
"one month since the inhumane terrorist attacks…we again recommend to the eternal mercy of the God of our Fathers
the numerous innocent victims. We ask for consolation and comfort for their family and relatives, burdened by pain;… we implore for tenacity and perseverance by all men of goodwill continuing on the paths of justice and peace."
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/2001/october/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_20011011_monizione-usa_en.html

14 October 2001 - Angelus
"On account of the present international situation, I have invited individuals and communities to pray the rosary for peace. I also renew this appeal today, underlining at the same time that the rosary is the contemplation of Christ in his mysteries, in close union with the Blessed Virgin Mary."
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/angelus/2001/documents/hf_jp-ii_ang_20011014_en.html

16 October 2001 - Message to Director General of World Food and Agriculture Organisation
"The Our Father is the prayer of brothers and sister who are aware that they cannot reach God on their own and they are confident that they can do so by living in communion with one another…These thoughts are particularly important after the tragic terrorist attacks which wounded the United States of America."
http://www.vatican.va/cgi-bin/w3-msql/news_services/bulletin/month_num_5.html?anno=2001&lang=it&month=10

28 October 2001 - Angelus
"May Mary, Queen of Peace, help all to lay down their arms and finally begin resolutely on the path toward a just and lasting peace."
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/angelus/2001/documents/hf_jp-ii_ang_20011028_en.html

5 November 2001 - Message to FAO Conference
"Following the terrible events of 11 September, there has been much debate on the question of justice and the urgent need to remove injustices. From a religious point of view, injustice is radical unbalance in which man rises against God and against his brother". http://www.vatican.va/cgi-bin/w3-msql/news_services/bulletin/news/9905.html?index=9905&po_date=05.11.2001&lang=it

6 November 2001 - To the Pope John Paul II Cultural Centre in Washington
"The tragic events which have shaken the international community in the past two months have made us all aware once more of the fragility of peace and the need to build a culture of respectful dialogue and cooperation between all the members of the human family"
http://www.vatican.va/cgi-bin/w3-msql/news_services/bulletin/news/9910.html?index=9910&po_date=06.11.2001&lang=it

9 November 2001 - To the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue
"It has been suggested that we are witnessing a veritable clash of religions… But this would be to falsify religion itself. When conflicts arise, peace can only come through a process of reconciliation, and this requires both humility and generosity."
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/2001/november/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_20011109_interreligious-dialogue_en.html

10 November 2001 - To a delegation of the Fire Fighters of New York City
"I offer a warm welcome to the delegation from the New York City Fire Department, so many of whose members lost their lives in the terrorist attack of September 11. May Almighty God grant the bereaved families consolation and peace, and may he give you and your fellow fire-fighters strength and courage to carry on your great service to your City. With the promise of my continued prayers, I invoke upon you and your families God's abundant blessings."
http://www.vatican.va/cgi-bin/w3-msql/news_services/bulletin/news/9931.html?index=9931&po_date=10.11.2001&lang=it

18 November 2001 - Angelus
"At this appropriate time, I ask Catholics to make next 14 December a day of fasting, to pray fervently to God to grant to the world stable peace based on justice, and make it possible to find adequate solutions to the many conflicts that trouble the world. May what is saved by fasting be put at the disposal of the poor, especially those who at present suffer the consequences of terrorism and war. I would also like to announce that it is my intention to invite the representatives of the world religions to come to Assisi on 24 January 2002, to pray for the overcoming of opposition and the promotion of authentic peace."
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/angelus/2001/documents/hf_jp-ii_ang_20011118_en.html

9 December 2001 - Angelus
"In today's complex international situation, humanity is called to mobilize its best energies so that love may prevail over hatred, peace over war, truth over falsehood and forgiveness over revenge."
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/angelus/2001/documents/hf_jp-ii_ang_20011209_en.html

22 December 2001 - Address to Roman Curia
I renew my pressing invitation to all people of good will to be unflagging in their efforts to find just solutions to the multiple conflicts that are tearing the world apart, and to assure a present and future of peace to one and all
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/2001/december/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_20011222_roman-curia_en.html

25 December 2001 - Message Urbi et Orbi
"Peace to be forged in a world in which peoples and nations, burdened with so many and such varied difficulties,
hope for a new humanity united not just by economic interests but by the unceasing effort to bring about a society that is more just and supportive."
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/messages/urbi/documents/hf_jp-ii_mes_20011225_urbi_en.html

1 January 2002 - Message for World Day of Peace
"The history of salvation, narrated in Sacred Scripture, sheds clear light on the entire history of the world and shows us that human events are always accompanied by the merciful Providence of God, who knows how to touch even the most hardened of hearts and bring good fruits even from what seems utterly barren soil."
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/messages/peace/documents/hf_jp-ii_mes_20011211_xxxv-world-day-for-peace_en.html

10 January 2002 - Address to Diplomatic Corps
"The legitimate fight against terrorism, of which the abhorrent attacks of last 11 September are the most appalling expression, has once again let the sound of arms be heard. Barbarous aggression and killings raise not only the question of legitimate defence but also issues such as the most effective means of eradicating terrorism, the search for the factors underlying such acts, and the measures to be taken to bring about a process of "healing" in order to overcome fear and to avoid evil being added to evil, violence to violence"
http://www.vatican.va/cgi-bin/w3-msql/news_services/bulletin/news/10169.html?index=10169&po_date=10.01.2002&lang=it#Traduzione%20in%20lingua%20inglese

23 January 2002
"I ask you to be united spiritually with me and the representatives of the world religions as we go on pilgrimage to Assisi tomorrow in order to pray for peace in the world."
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/audiences/2002/documents/hf_jp-ii_aud_20020123_en.html

24 January 2002 - Address at Assisi
"The shadows will not be dissipated with weapons; darkness is dispelled by sending out bright beams of light
We praise God, the Creator and Lord of the universe, for the gift of life and especially human life, which has blossomed on this planet through the mysterious plan of his goodness. Life in all its forms is entrusted in a special way to the care of man."
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/2002/january/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_20020124_discorso-assisi_en.html

25 January 2002 - Commitment for Peace with leaders of world religions
"Never again violence! Never again war! Never again terrorism! In the name of God may every religion bring to earth Justice and Peace, Forgiveness and Life, Love!"

25 January 2002 Address at Assisi
"With all our differences, we sit at this table, united in our commitment to the cause of peace. That commitment, born of sincere religious sentiment, is surely what God expects of us. It is what the world seeks in religious men and women".
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/2002/january/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_20020125_agape-delegazioni_en.html

27 January 2002 - Angelus
"Once again, today I would like to thank the religious leaders who responded to my invitation. Together we affirmed in Assisi that the mission of religion consists in fostering peaceful coexistence among peoples and cultures, in reciprocal respect"
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/angelus/2002/documents/hf_jp-ii_ang_20020127_en.html

4 March 2002 - Letter to head of state and government and decalogue of Assisi for Peace
"I hope that the spirit and commitment of Assisi will lead all people of goodwill to seek truth, justice, freedom and love, so that every human person may enjoy his inalienable rights and every people, peace."
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/letters/2002/documents/hf_jp-ii_let_20020304_capi-stato_en.html

31 March 2002 - Easter Sunday Urbi et Orbi message
"Peace "in the manner of the world" - the experience of every age shows it - is often a precarious balance of powers, that sooner or later turn against one another once more. The peace which is the gift of the Risen Christ is deep and complete, and can reconcile man with God, with himself and with creation."
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/messages/urbi/documents/hf_jp-ii_mes_20020331_easter-urbi_en.html