Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace Following Minnesota School Shooting Tragedy

On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for the victims of a tragic shooting incident at a Catholic school in Minnesota. In his address, delivered in English from his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square in Rome, he condemned the attack and the pervasive "logic of weapons" that fuels conflicts across the globe. He specifically mentioned the heartbreaking loss of two children, Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moysk, who were killed in the incident, which also injured 20 others during a Mass attended by students.

The shooting occurred at the Church of Annunciation in Minneapolis and involved the shooter firing 116 rounds through stained-glass windows before taking his own life. After the tragedy, Pope Leo had previously chosen not to make political statements regarding gun violence, focusing instead on expressing his condolences and spiritual support for those impacted. He described the event as a "terrible tragedy" and assured those affected of his prayers and closeness.

Further addressing the need for peace, the Pope called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and urged conflicting parties to engage in meaningful dialogue. He reiterated that it is crucial for those in power to abandon the mindset that drives warfare and instead pursue paths leading to negotiations and harmony. In conclusion, he asserted that the sounds of weaponry must be stopped, allowing the voices of unity and justice to dominate.