Pope demands end to the ‘pandemic of arms’ as he prays for victims of Minnesota school shooting

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called for an end to the “pandemic of arms, large and small,” as he prayed publicly for the victims of a shooting during a Catholic school Mass in the United States.

History’s first U.S. pope spoke in English as he denounced the attack and the “logic of weapons” fueling wars around the world, during his Sunday noon blessing from his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square.

“Our prayers for the victims of the tragic shooting during a school Mass in the American state of Minnesota,” said the Chicago-born Leo. “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.”

Two children were killed Wednesday and 20 people were injured during the shooting attack at the Church of Annunciation in Minneapolis, as hundreds of students from the nearby Annunciation Catholic School and others gathered for a Mass. The shooter fired 116 rifle rounds through the church’s stained-glass windows, and later died by suicide.

The attack once again reignited the debate over guns in America. Those who support stricter background checks on gun purchases and other laws, often Democrats, say that Republican politicians who appeal to “thoughts and prayers” after school shootings are trying to distract from their own inaction on gun restrictions.

Related Stories

Mass shooting in Minnesota sparks renewed thoughts and prayers debate

Mass shooting in Minnesota sparks renewed thoughts and prayers debate

Pope Leo may visit Lebanon later this year

Pope Leo may visit Lebanon later this year

Minneapolis Catholic school shooting leaves 3 dead, including the shooter, police say

Minneapolis Catholic school shooting leaves 3 dead, including the shooter, police say

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Leo had refrained from any political commentary about guns in America, sending a telegram of condolence that focused exclusively on the spiritual. He said he was saddened by the “terrible tragedy” and sent his “heartfelt condolences and the assurance of spiritual closeness to all those affected.”

Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, had long railed against the weapons industry and proliferation of arms fueling wars, denouncing gun manufacturers as “merchants of death.” During his historic 2015 speech to the U.S. Congress, the Argentine pope asked the lawmakers why weapons were being sold purely to kill.

“Sadly, the answer, as we all know, is simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood,” Francis said then. “In the face of this shameful and culpable silence, it is our duty to confront the problem and to stop the arms trade.”

Leo had opened his appeal Sunday by demanding an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and a “serious commitment to dialogue” from the warring sides.

“It’s time that those responsible renounce the logic of weapons and take the path of negotiations and peace, with the support of the international community,” he said. “The voice of weapons must be silenced, while the voice of fraternity and justice must rise.”

Read More

NICOLE WINFIELD

NICOLE WINFIELD

Winfield has been on the Vatican beat since 2001, covering the papacies of St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI and the Francis pontificate and traveling the world with them.

Liberty’s fourth quarter rally enough to pull away, defeating Maine 28-7

AP News

Register & Receive NGN500,000 Immediately

MSport Celebrates Partnership With Chelsea, Join Us, Keep Winning With MSport

MSport

Advertisement:

This Forgotten Pill Cleanses The Veins At High Speed

This method can be used even at home

Cardiovax

Advertisement:

AI now helps people speak languages fast

Have you tried learning languages faster with AI?

Talkpal AI

Advertisement:

How to Get a Reliable Used Car From ₦500k – No Hassle!

I got the best vehicle financing with low rates and quick approval. See how you can too.

Best Cars

Advertisement:

Used Cars From ₦500k – Easy to Snag, No Stress!

I got the best vehicle financing with low rates and quick approval. See how you can too.

Best Cars

Advertisement:

Expert Advice: Everyone Should Know This If Their Joints Hurt!

pillsenblog.info

Advertisement:

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

The Associated Press

ap.org

Careers

Advertise with us

Contact Us

Accessibility Statement

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Limit Use and Disclosure of Sensitive Personal Information

CA Notice of Collection

More From AP News

About

AP News Values and Principles

AP’s Role in Elections

AP Leads

AP Definitive Source Blog

AP Images Spotlight Blog

AP Stylebook

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

twitter

instagram

facebook