Families of 9/11 Victims Touched by Pope's Compassion

Families of the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks who were invited to meet with Pope Francis prior to Friday's multi-religious ceremony at the Sept. 11 museum described the encounter as a deeply emotional moment.

Monica Iken-Murphy, whose husband, Michael Patrick Iken died on the 84th floor of the south tower, said she was impressed that the pontiff had specifically requested to pray at the site.

"That's exactly why it's so powerful, that he actually wanted to come here and bless this site," she said.

"This is where loved ones lost their lives ... and this is the way we are going to honor them by having someone who is holy, closest to God, Pope Francis, come here and bless this site, especially for those of us who do not have remains until this day," she said. "I couldn't be prouder to share this memorial and museum with him."

Anthoula Katsimatides, whose 31-year-old brother, John Katsimatides, perished inside the north tower, agreed that the pope's compassion made a powerful impression on the families of the victims.

"Having him come here and specifically ask to meet with 9/11 family members just speaks volumes about the kind of person that he is, his heart and his soul and his desire to be with and among the people who are experiencing some sort of loss or tragedy, even 14 years later," she said.

Katsimatides has served as a liaison to the family members who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks.

"I think that the pope represents the spiritual world," added Debra Burlingame. "He's a holy father for a lot of us who aren't even Roman Catholic."

Burlingame's brother, Charles Burlingame, was the pilot of the hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 that crashed into the Pentagon on 9/11.

Families of victims and rescue workers who weren't invited to meet the pope stood with other onlookers and expressed some disappointment with their vantage point.

"Francisco! Francisco! They shouted, hoping to attract the pope's attention.

"If you don't bless us, I'll bless us," shouted one.

A few complained that local politicians were granted close access to the pope, while they were forced to watch from a distance.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us