The following is the text of the telegram sent September 11 by Pope John Paul to U.S. President George W. Bush, following terrorist attacks earlier in the morning in Washington, D.C. and New York City, causing an untold number of victims and incalculable damage:

"Shocked by the unspeakable horror of today's inhuman terrorist attacks against innocent people in different parts of the United States I hurry to express to you and your fellow citizens my profound sorrow and my closeness in prayer for the nation at this dark and tragic moment. Commending the victims to Almighty God's eternal mercy, I implore His strength upon all involved in rescue efforts and in caring for the survivors. I beg God to sustain you and the American people in this hour of suffering and trial."

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