VIVAT INTERNATIONAL STATEMENT ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 Tragedy

Our hearts go out to those who have died, wounded and bereaved by the attacks on the United States of America on September 11, 2001. We specially remember and pray for the people of United States, and especially for the families of the passengers and crews of the four aircrafts, the occupants and others in the surroundings of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and indeed, the fire fighters and the police who lost their lives in this senseless carnage. To the Americans we say: your pain is our pain, your grief is our grief and your hope is our hope. This act of terrorism has shaken the very foundation and economic prosperity of the U.S. It has caused thousands of bread earners to lose their jobs. The actions of the terrorists should be condemned and the people responsible be brought to justice.

It is quite normal and human to feel a sense of anger and revenge and an urge to wage a war against the terrorists and the governments that shelter or support them. But if one reasons well, the solution may not lie in a war or any form of retaliation. Past experiences show that, this will only bring in more violence and terror. Thus, wide-ranging military action by the US, on its own or in coalition, will be counter productive, whatever the intense and understandable domestic pressures for such action. Moreover, it is the innocent, poor civilians, especially women and children, who are going to suffer the most by this action.

The solution may lie in building a coalition worldwide to bring the perpetrators of the attacks to justice, basing all actions on the rule of law. Finally, it will be in the interest of all to understand the underlying factors that have brought this terror and tragedy in the lives of the people of the U.S.A. and address them in truth and justice.

Vivat International joins each one of you in America and cry to God that the victims may receive divine mercy. May the survivors and their families experience the healing power of God. May God's justice, peace and love reign in the hearts of all.

May God guide America and may He save the world.

Vivat International                                                                                                                  New York, NY