[justsomedude]

The point is that the pope's asking is futile.

I don't think so.

[agrace]

In what way is it helpful? He is asking GOD to forgive the sins of another man. Let's put aside the fact that these particular men are already dead. The main point is that God requires each man to be personally responsible for his own sin. Each man must individually acknowledge their sinful state and repent.

Are you suggesting that because of the Pope's prayers, God may forgive the terrorists, even though the terrorists themselves died defiant and rejecting the one true God?