Pope Leo Urges End to ‘Pandemic of Arms’ after Minnesota Shooting/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ morning Edition/ Pope Leo XIV condemned global gun violence after a tragic Catholic school shooting in Minnesota left two children dead and 18 injured. Speaking at the Vatican, the Chicago-born pontiff called for an end to the “pandemic of arms, large and small.” He also renewed his plea for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Pope Leo Gun Violence Plea Quick Looks
- Pope Leo XIV prays for Minnesota school shooting victims
- Shooting during Mass killed two children, injured 18 worshippers
- Pontiff denounces global “pandemic of arms, large and small”
- Calls for ceasefire and dialogue in Russia-Ukraine war
- Pope Leo: “The voice of weapons must fall silent”
- Previously sent telegram with condolences and prayers
- Successor to Pope Francis, who opposed weapons industry
- Pope spoke in English to crowd in St. Peter’s Square
- Urges fraternity, justice, and an end to violence worldwide
- Highlights dangers of political and social divisions fueled by weapons
Pope Leo Urges End to ‘Pandemic of Arms’ after Minnesota Shooting
Deep Look
VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, issued a forceful appeal Sunday for the world to confront what he called a “pandemic of arms” following the Minnesota Catholic school shooting that left two children dead and nearly 20 others injured.
Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace to thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his weekly Angelus prayer, the Chicago-born pontiff prayed for the victims of the attack in Minneapolis and broadened his message into a global condemnation of violence.
“Our prayers are with the victims of the tragic shooting during a school Mass in the American state of Minnesota,” Pope Leo said in English, his words met with solemn silence from the crowd. “We hold in our prayers the countless children killed and injured every day around the world. Let us plead God to stop the pandemic of arms, large and small, which infects our world.”
Minnesota Tragedy Sparks Outcry
The shooting unfolded during a school Mass in Minneapolis, claiming the lives of Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, and wounding 18 others. Initially, the Vatican responded with a telegram offering condolences and spiritual closeness. But Sunday’s Angelus marked the pope’s most pointed remarks yet, blending pastoral compassion with a political call to action.
Linking Violence at Home and Abroad
Before turning to the U.S. tragedy, Pope Leo addressed the broader global crisis of armed conflict, renewing his plea for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war.
“The voice of weapons must fall silent, and the voice of fraternity and justice must prevail,” he urged, calling on both Moscow and Kyiv to recommit to dialogue.
Continuity With Francis’ Teachings
Pope Leo’s strong words echo those of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who frequently criticized the global arms trade and once branded weapons manufacturers “merchants of death.”
But Pope Leo, the first pontiff from the U.S., faces the unique challenge of addressing gun violence in his home country — a nation where firearms remain deeply intertwined with politics, culture, and religion. His dual role as a spiritual leader and an American-born pope gives his words particular weight.
Balancing Grief and Advocacy
While careful not to wade directly into U.S. domestic politics, Pope Leo made clear that the Minnesota shooting was part of a larger crisis. His shift from condolences to broader condemnation suggests the Vatican may become more vocal on issues of gun violence and weapons proliferation under his papacy.
The pope framed the crisis in moral terms, warning that unchecked access to weapons — from rifles to missiles — is corroding both communities and international order. His reference to a “pandemic” cast gun violence and global conflict as an epidemic of human suffering demanding urgent remedy.
The Road Ahead
Pope Leo’s remarks come at a time when the Catholic Church in the United States is already deeply divided along political lines. His call to end the “pandemic of arms” may resonate with victims and peace advocates but risks fueling debate among American Catholics split over gun rights and security.
Still, the pontiff’s message on Sunday was unambiguous: gun violence, whether in the pews of a Minnesota school Mass or on the battlefields of Ukraine, represents a moral plague that must be eradicated.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.