Pope Leo XIV recently made a heartfelt plea for peace during a Sunday prayer in St. Peter’s Square. He spoke out against the “pandemic of arms” while addressing the tragic mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minnesota that left two young children dead.
In his prayer, the Pope expressed sorrow for the victims of the Minnesota shooting and all children affected by violence globally. He urged everyone to seek an end to the spread of weapons. This comes in the wake of increased gun violence in the U.S., where mass shootings continue to rise. Recent data shows that the U.S. experiences significantly more mass shootings compared to other countries.
The incident in Minnesota has reignited discussions on gun control. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey emphasized the need for actionable solutions instead of the usual “thoughts and prayers.” In the last few years, calls for stronger gun laws have intensified, often spurred by tragic events like this one.
In a telegram following the shooting, Pope Leo expressed his sadness and extended his prayers to the victims, their families, and those providing support during this difficult time. “At this extremely difficult time, the Holy Father imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of peace,” the message stated.
In his prayers, Leo also highlighted the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, urging leaders to prioritize dialogue over weapons. He called for an end to violence, advocating for negotiations supported by the international community.
Pope Leo’s message echoes the sentiments of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who had long criticized the arms industry and lamented the profit-driven motives behind it. In a 2015 address to Congress, Francis called gun manufacturers “merchants of death” and emphasized the need to confront this issue.
The recent shooting in Minnesota has sparked conversations on social media, with many expressing outrage and sadness, and trending hashtags calling for change. Public reactions highlight a growing demand for accountability and reform in gun legislation.
As we look at these events, it’s clear that the conversation around gun violence and arms trade is more relevant than ever.
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