News Release: 9/11 Memorial & Museum Mourns the Passing of Pope

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 21, 2025

9/11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM MOURNS THE PASSING OF POPE FRANCIS AND REMEMBERS HIS 2015 VISIT TO THE WORLD TRADE CENTER SITE 

NEW YORK - April 21, 2025 - We are deeply saddened by the passing of his holiness Pope Francis. On September 25, 2015, together with 9/11 family members, we were privileged to welcome him to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum on his first visit to the United States and New York City as Pope. His presence on our site was a source of solace and healing for many grieving their lost loved ones and 10 years later, it remains a powerful affirmation of the humanity and compassion with which we responded to hatred and intolerance. As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, we recall his words then: 

“Here, amid pain and grief, we also have a palpable sense of the heroic goodness which people are capable of, those hidden reserves of strength from which we can draw. In the depths of pain and suffering, you also witnessed the heights of generosity and service . . . This place of death became a place of life too, a place of saved lives, a hymn to the triumph of life over the prophets of destruction and death, to goodness over evil, to reconciliation and unity over hatred and division.” 

To read more about the Pope’s 2015 visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum visit the MEMO blog here. Additionally, press may access photos from the visit here and utilize the credit line “Courtesy of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum” with any image use. 

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ABOUT THE NATIONAL SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM 
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is the country’s principal institution concerned with exploring 9/11, documenting its impact, and examining its continuing significance. This mission is advanced through commemoration, education, and inspiration. Located on eight of the 16 acres of the World Trade Center site, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum remembers and honors the 2,983 lives lost on September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993. Through exhibitions, a wide variety of programs, and commemorative events, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum seeks to educate the public – particularly the 100 million Americans born since the attacks or those too young to remember – about the consequences of terrorism and its impact on individuals and communities. Through preserving and sharing stories of resilience, compassion, and service, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum hopes to inspire individuals to build a more compassionate and secure world. 

For more information or to reserve a ticket to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, please visit 911memorial.org.

MEDIA INQUIRIES
Erin Gaddis | (214) 673-9435 | press@911memorial.org
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