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Pope Leo XIV offered prayers and called for an end to gun violence after Minneapolis church shooting
During his Sunday address at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV expressed his “profound sorrow” for the victims of the Minneapolis Catholic church shooting, denouncing the attack and the pervasive “logic of weapons” fueling conflicts worldwide. He specifically prayed for 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moysk, who were tragically killed, and the 20 others injured in the attack.
The Pope’s message extended beyond the immediate tragedy, highlighting the global impact of gun violence on children. He implored God to “stop the pandemic of arms,” a plea echoing his earlier calls for peace in Ukraine and a shift towards dialogue and negotiation.
Wednesday’s attack at the Church of the Annunciation occurred during a school Mass, as students and parishioners gathered to mark the beginning of the school year. The shooter, who later died by suicide, fired over 100 rounds into the church. While the Pope’s initial response was a telegram offering spiritual condolences, his Sunday address took a more direct stance, condemning gun violence and advocating for peace.