Pope John Paul met a team of New York firefighters today, praising their bravery and wishing peace on the families of colleagues they lost in the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
During a service in St Peter's Basilica for Rome's volunteer workers, the Pope met eight members of the New York Fire Department and took a few moments to speak to each and give them his blessing.
"I give my warmest welcome to the delegation from the New York fire department," the 81-year-old pontiff told the thousands who crammed into the Basilica.
"They bear unforgettable testimony to the qualities of courage and dedication," he said.
More than 300 firefighters were killed on September 11 after they rushed to help those stranded in New York's World Trade Center after two hijacked planes smashed into its twin towers.
One fireman handed the Pope the helmet of Father Mychal Judge, a firefighters' chaplain who died while giving last rites to another firefighter who had perished in the disaster.
About 4,400 people were killed in the New York attack.
"I pray to God that He might offer consolation and peace to the families of those who suffered loss, and give you the strength and courage to continue the great service you do for your city," the Pope told the firefighters.
The New York delegation flew to Rome for USA Day, a rally organised by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
The aim of the day was to unite Italy behind the US-led coalition battling Afghanistan's Taliban, who host the prime suspect behind the attacks, Osama bin Laden.