Papal prayers at Ground Zero

The somber strains of cello music announced Pope Benedict's arrival this morning at the Ground Zero site where the World Trade Center once stood. After the popemobile drove down the flag-lined ramp, the pope got out and knelt for more than two minutes in silent prayer before a pool of water and a Paschal candle. He stood to light the candle -- a challenge due to the wind -- before offering a prayer, remembering the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack that killed close to 3,000 people. He also prayed for those who died at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pa., that day and prayed for healing for those still grieving the loss of their loved ones and for peace in our "violent world."

After turning in a full circle to bless the site with holy water in four directions, the pope greeted representatives of the Port Authority, New York fire and police workers, those who survived the attack, and family members of those who lost loved ones. He talked with each person, clasping their hands in his, as New York's Cardinal Edward Egan looked on.

Here is the text of the pope's prayer at Ground Zero, as released by the Vatican:

O God of love, compassion, and healing,
look on us, people of many different faiths and traditions,
who gather today at this site,
the scene of incredible violence and pain.

We ask you in your goodness
to give eternal light and peace
to all who died here-
the heroic first-responders:
our fire fighters, police officers,
emergency service workers, and Port Authority personnel,
along with all the innocent men and women
who were victims of this tragedy
simply because their work or service
brought them here on September 11, 2001.

We ask you, in your compassion
to bring healing to those
who, because of their presence here that day,
suffer from injuries and illness.
Heal, too, the pain of still-grieving families
and all who lost loved ones in this tragedy.
Give them strength to continue their lives with courage and hope.

We are mindful as well
of those who suffered death, injury, and loss
on the same day at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Our hearts are one with theirs
as our prayer embraces their pain and suffering.

God of peace, bring your peace to our violent world:
peace in the hearts of all men and women
and peace among the nations of the earth.
Turn to your way of love
those whose hearts and minds
are consumed with hatred.

God of understanding,
overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy,
we seek your light and guidance
as we confront such terrible events.
Grant that those whose lives were spared
may live so that the lives lost here
may not have been lost in vain.
Comfort and console us,
strengthen us in hope,
and give us the wisdom and courage
to work tirelessly for a world
where true peace and love reign
among nations and in the hearts of all.

-- Mary DeTurris Poust