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"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.

Bobblehead Pope gives Vatican a headache

To the dismay of the Vatican, the Pope’s trip has spawned a large range of kitsch memorabilia including a bobblehead doll

BACKGROUND

• America holds a papal birthday party

• Pope's 'shame' over paedophile priests

• The Pope in quotes during his visit to the United States

• Pope to pray for redemption of terrorists

• American Catholics must stop and listen to the Pope

BACKGROUND

• A commitment to keep faith in the public space

• Multilingual Pope calls for peace

• Vatican looks to heal 950-year Orthodox rift

• Pope to discuss influx of Anglicans

• Vatican workers promised higher reward

Multimedia

• Pictures: Pope visits America

• Best of the worst Pope memorabilia

• Popemobiles past and present

"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."

On America

"America's quest for freedom has been guided by the conviction that the principles governing political and social life are intimately linked to a moral order based on the dominion of God the Creator." Speech at the White House on Wednesday April 16

"As the nation faces the increasingly complex political and ethical issues of our time, I am confident that the American people will find in their religious beliefs a precious source of insight . . . in the effort to build a more humane and free society."

“America is also a land of great faith. Your people are remarkable for their religious fervor and they take pride in belonging to a worshipping community. They have confidence in God, and they do not hesitate to bring moral arguments rooted in biblical faith into their public discourse. Respect for freedom of religion is deeply ingrained in the American consciousness — a fact which has contributed to this country's attraction for generations of immigrants, seeking a home where they can worship freely in accordance with their beliefs.” Speech to the bishops at the National Shrine

On Iraq

Pope Benedict XVI and the President spoke about their common concern for the situation in Iraq, according to the Holy See (Vatican website). They particularly focused on the precarious state of Christian communities there and elsewhere in the region. The Pope and the President expressed hope for an end to violence and for a prompt and comprehensive solution to the crises which afflict the region.

On Catholicism in America

“Today the Catholic community you serve is one of the largest in the world, and one of the most influential.” Pope’s address to the bishops at The National Shrine