Pope Says Leaders Must 'Resist Temptation to Hate'

Pope Benedict XVI called on political leaders to resist the temptation to hate as he marked the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in Italy.

"In remembering to the Lord the victims of the attacks that took place on that day, and their families, I invite the leaders of nations and men of good will to always refuse violence as a solution to problems and to resist the temptation to hate," Benedict told crowds of faithful during a pastoral visit to the eastern port city of Ancona.

He also called on political leaders to "work in society to inspire the principles of solidarity, justice and peace".

The leader of the world's Roman Catholics was speaking at an open-air mass at a shipyard attended by thousands of people.

In a letter to New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan made public earlier Sunday, the pope said the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks was all the worse because those behind it claimed to be acting in the name of God.

"Once again, it must be unequivocally stated that no circumstances can ever justify acts of terrorism," he wrote.

The pope praised the American people "for the courage and generosity that they showed in the rescue operations and for their resilience in moving forward with hope and confidence".