Pope Leo XIV offers heartfelt condolences after the tragic Minneapolis Catholic school shooting
The world is mourning after the devastating mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, where two children, just 8 and 10 years old, were killed and 17 others were injured. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that the gunman — now deceased — used a rifle, shotgun, and pistol to carry out the attack.
Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow in a message sent through Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin to Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Minneapolis. According to Vatican News, the Pope extended his “heartfelt condolences and the assurance of spiritual closeness to all those affected by this terrible tragedy, especially the families now grieving the loss of a child.”
The statement continued: “While commending the souls of the deceased children to the love of Almighty God, His Holiness prays for the wounded as well as the first responders, medical personnel and clergy who are caring for them and their loved ones.”
The Pope also imparted his Apostolic Blessing, offering “peace, fortitude and consolation” to the Minneapolis Catholic community and all those impacted.
Meanwhile, political leaders have issued their own statements. Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that he is “praying for everyone involved,” though critics point out that his response avoided addressing the broader crisis of gun violence in America.
The bigger issue
The U.S. continues to face mass shootings at a rate unmatched by other developed nations. Public health experts stress that proven solutions — such as universal background checks and restrictions on high-capacity firearms — remain blocked largely due to political deadlock.
Tragedies like this one underline an urgent reality: gun violence will persist until meaningful reforms are enacted. For many Americans, the compassion shown by global leaders like Pope Leo XIV only underscores the need for real change at home.
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