Pope Leo Denounces Minnesota Shooting, Urges Ceasefire In Ukraine
Pope Leo XIV has condemned a school shooting in Minnesota that claimed two young lives, describing it as part of a global “pandemic of arms”.
He also renewed his call for peace in war-torn regions, including Ukraine.
Speaking at St Peter’s Square during the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer, the US-born pontiff prayed in English for the victims of Wednesday’s tragedy at the Church of Annunciation in Minneapolis.
“Our prayers are with the victims of the tragic shooting during a school Mass in Minnesota,” Pope Leo said.
“We also hold in our hearts the countless children who are killed and injured every day in violence around the world. Let us beg God to end the pandemic of arms, large and small, that continues to infect our societies,” he added.
The attack occurred as hundreds of students and parishioners gathered to mark the beginning of the school year.
The gunman, who later died by suicide, unleashed more than 100 rounds into the packed church, killing 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moysk and injuring 20 others.
In the days following the shooting, Pope Leo had sent a telegram message offering condolences but avoided any direct political statement on U.S. gun policy.
In his remarks, he condemned the culture of weapons and linked the violence in Minnesota to the destruction that comes with wars.
Pope Leo also reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, calling on both sides to abandon the “logic of weapons” and embrace genuine dialogue.
“It is time that those responsible choose the path of negotiations and peace, with the support of the international community,” he said.
“The voice of weapons must be silenced, and the voice of fraternity and justice must rise,” he added.
Pope Leo Denounces Minnesota Shooting, Urges Ceasefire In Ukraine is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
