Pope Leo XIV expressed profound grief over the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, where two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed and 17 others injured during a Mass celebrating the start of the school year. In a statement issued through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the pontiff conveyed his “heartfelt condolences and spiritual closeness” to the victims’ families, the wounded, and the entire community.
“His Holiness is profoundly saddened by this horrific act of violence against innocent children and worshippers,” the Vatican statement read. “He prays for the souls of the deceased, the recovery of those injured, and the strength of first responders and medical personnel.” The Pope called for collective action to address gun violence, urging leaders and communities to “move beyond words and work tirelessly to ensure such tragedies never happen again.”
The shooting, carried out by 23-yr-old Robin Westman, who died by suicide, is being investigated by the FBI as a possible act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara noted that a motive is still under investigation, with disturbing writings found in a manifesto posted by the suspect.
Pope Leo XIV, a dual citizen of Peru and the United States born in Chicago, emphasised the need for healing and unity, inviting Catholics worldwide to join in a special Mass for the victims, scheduled for next week at the Vatican.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
