Pope Calls for End to Arms Violence Following Minnesota School Shooting

Pope Leo XIV urged an end to what he termed a “pandemic of arms” during his weekly public prayer at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, addressing the recent school shooting in Minnesota that killed two children.

The pontiff, who is the first American pope and a Chicago native, delivered his remarks in English while praying for victims of the Wednesday shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, were killed when a gunman fired 116 rifle rounds through the church’s stained glass windows during a school mass before dying by suicide. Eighteen people were injured in the attack.

“We offer our prayers for those affected by the devastating shooting that occurred during a school assembly in Minnesota,” declared Pope Leo. “Our hearts remain with the numerous young lives lost and wounded daily across the globe. We implore the Almighty to end this epidemic of weapons, both large and small, that plagues our planet.”

The incident has sparked renewed debate surrounding firearm legislation in America. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has demanded actionable gun reform measures instead of the customary “thoughts and prayers” statements typically delivered by Republican leaders. The United States witnesses substantially elevated frequencies of mass shooting events when compared to other countries internationally.

Initially, Pope Leo had responded to the shooting with a formal telegram expressing condolences and avoiding political commentary. The telegram stated he was “saddened by the terrible tragedy” and offered prayers for the wounded, first responders, medical personnel, and clergy caring for victims and their families. The message also extended the pope’s Apostolic Blessing to the school community, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, and the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area.

In his Sunday sermon, Pope Leo additionally advocated for an instant halt to hostilities in Ukraine, appealing to all parties to embrace diplomatic engagement. “The moment has arrived for those in power to abandon the mentality of warfare and choose the route of discussion and reconciliation, backed by the global community,” the pontiff stated. “The sound of conflict must be quieted, so that the voices of brotherhood and righteousness may prevail.”

The current pope’s predecessor, Pope Francis, had previously criticized the weapons industry, calling gun manufacturers “merchants of death” during a 2015 address to the U.S. Congress. Francis stated that weapons are sold “simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood” and called it “our duty to confront the problem and to stop the arms trade.”