VATICAN CITY (CNS): Pope John Paul II blessed a group of New York City fire-fighters and accepted the white helmet of one of their chaplains killed in the rescue effort at the World Trade Centre.
Celebrating Mass in St Peter’s Basilica on November 10, the Pope prayed for the more than 340 fire-fighters who died in the September 11 attacks and expressed his condolences for their families.
“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,” the Pope said in English.
“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,” he said.
As the fire-fighters knelt before the pontiff, one of them presented him with the helmet that belonged to fire department chaplain, Franciscan Father Mychal F. Judge, who died in the tragedy.
