Pope Leo Condemns U.S. School Shooting, Prays to “Stop the Pandemic of Arms

Pope offers prayer for victims of the shooting.

Pope Leo, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, offered prayers on Sunday for the victims of a deadly school shooting in Minnesota, calling for an end to what he described as the “pandemic of arms.”

During his weekly Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff paused to speak in English, expressing sorrow and solidarity with those affected by the August 27 shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis that left two children dead. “Our prayers go for the victims of the tragic shooting during a school Mass in the American state of Minnesota,” said Pope Leo, visibly moved. “May God stop the pandemic of arms, which kills the innocent and poisons our societies.”

The emotional appeal came just days after a 17-year-old gunman opened fire inside St. Agnes Academy during a morning Mass, reportedly using a legally purchased semi-automatic handgun. The attack is one of the deadliest school shootings in Minnesota history and has reignited national debates over gun control.

A Pope’s Personal Connection

As the first pontiff from the United States, Pope Leo’s words carry added weight. Born in Chicago, the 67-year-old former Archbishop of New York has frequently spoken out on the scourge of gun violence in his home country.

Since becoming pope in 2024, Leo has used his platform to advocate for stronger global gun regulations, often citing Catholic teachings on the sanctity of life and the duty of societies to protect the vulnerable.

In previous homilies, he has referred to widespread gun access in civilian populations as a “crisis of conscience.”

Renewed Calls for Reform

Back in the U.S., President Donald Trump called the incident “heartbreaking,” and Minnesota Governor Janelle Porter has pledged a review of the state’s school security and gun purchase laws.

Catholic leaders across the U.S. have echoed the Pope’s message, calling for “not just prayers, but policy change.” In Rome, hundreds of pilgrims and visitors joined Pope Leo in silent prayer for the young victims, as church bells rang out over St. Peter’s Square.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities in Minnesota say the gunman, a student who attended the school, is in custody. His motives remain unclear. Investigators are reviewing his digital history and school records.

The Vatican has not announced plans for Pope Leo to visit the U.S. in the immediate future, but insiders suggest the pontiff could address gun violence directly in a major encyclical later this year.