Pope Leo XIV Condemns ‘Pandemic of Arms’ Following Tragic Minnesota School Shooting
Pope Leo XIV has expressed profound sorrow and called for an end to what he described as a “pandemic of arms” after a devastating shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that claimed the lives of two children and injured 20 others.
On Wednesday morning during a back-to-school Mass, a gunman opened fire through the stained-glass windows of the church chapel, where hundreds of children and worshippers had gathered. The attack resulted in the deaths of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moysk, with 17 others wounded—14 of whom were children, some in serious condition. The shooter later died by suicide. The motive for the attack remains unknown.
Papal Response and Message
In a telegram sent to Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Minneapolis, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, Pope Leo conveyed his “heartfelt condolences and the assurance of spiritual closeness” to the victims and families affected by the tragedy. The pope commended the souls of the deceased children to God’s love and prayed for the wounded, first responders, medical personnel, and clergy providing care.
Pope Leo bestowed his Apostolic Blessing on the Annunciation Catholic School community, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, and the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area as a pledge of peace and consolation.
Call to End the Global Spread of Weapons
During his Sunday noon blessing at St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Pope Leo, originally from the United States, spoke in English to denounce not only the school attack but also the broader “logic of weapons” that fuels violence and war globally. He called for an end to the “pandemic of arms, large and small,” urging prayers for the countless children worldwide who suffer due to gun violence.
He emphasized the urgent need for those responsible to renounce the use of weapons and commit to dialogue and peace-making efforts. Addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine in the same address, the pope appealed for an immediate ceasefire and meaningful negotiations supported by the international community.
“The voice of weapons must be silenced, while the voice of fraternity and justice must rise,” Pope Leo declared, underscoring the urgent global necessity to reject violence and pursue peace.
Details of the Minneapolis Shooting
The shooting at Annunciation happened at about 8:30 a.m., with the attacker firing approximately 116 rounds. The complex includes a Catholic school from preschool through middle school, where many children had assembled for the Mass. Local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances and motive surrounding the attack.
In the wake of this tragedy, communities in Minnesota and around the world have been mourning and calling for action against gun violence. Pope Leo’s strong message highlights the urgent call from global leaders, religious figures, and citizens alike to halt the spread of firearms and the devastating effects they have on innocent lives.