Pope prays at ground zero

NEW YORK – This morning, Pope Benedict XVI prayed for peace at the scene of the terrorist attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center.

On the sixth and final day of his first papal trip to the United States, Benedict XVI held a quiet prayer service at the site of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Later today, he will travel to Yankee Stadium for a boisterous Mass before leaving for Italy.

More than 2,700 people were killed in the attacks that destroyed the famed twin towers, once a fixture of the lower Manhattan skyline. Benedict invited 24 people – survivors, relatives of victims and four rescue workers – to the site.

Traveling in the popemobile, the pontiff traveled down a ramp lined with flags to the small yellow stage in the lower area of the site. There, dignitaries stood around a reflecting pool with a large white candle symbolizing resurrection.

A low, gloomy fog flowed through the area. As the solemn notes of a cello broke the stillness, the pope walked from his vehicle to the pool. He was accompanied by New York Cardinal Edward Egan, who stood to one side as the pope kneeled before the candle, hands clasped.

Benedict then rose. The pontiff lighted the candle as aides used clear protective cylinders to protect the flame from the wind.

In his prayer at “this site, the scene of incredible violence and pain,” Benedict asked God to give “eternal light and peace” to those who died to heal wounded survivors and the “still-grieving families” who lost loved ones.

In addition to ground zero, the Pentagon was the target of a stolen jet, and another plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. The pope prayed “for those who suffered death, injury and loss on the same day at the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pa.”

Benedict asked God to “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.”

He also prayed for those who are consumed by hatred and driven to violence, an apparent reference to the attackers or their supporters:

“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,” the pope prayed. “Turn to your way of love those whose hearts and minds are consumed with hatred.”

After praying, the pope blessed the site with holy water. He then greeted and spoke privately with workers who responded first on the day of the attacks and other invited guests.

Benedict was joined by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New York Gov. David Paterson and New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine. The site is owned and managed by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.

wilkinson@latimes.com

michael.muskal@latimes.com

Wilkinson reported from New York and Muskal from Los Angeles.