MINNESOTA – In a heartfelt public prayer, Pope Leo addressed the recent deadly shooting at a Catholic school in Minnesota, urging an end to gun violence.
Two children lost their lives, and 17 others were injured in the shooting on Wednesday. Among the injured were three elderly parishioners, who are all recovering.
Pope Leo, speaking in English during a school mass, called for prayers for the victims in Minnesota and children worldwide who have faced similar tragedies.
“We include in our prayers the countless children killed and injured every day around the world. Let us plead God to stop the pandemic of arms large and small which infects our world,” Pope Leo said.
He echoed sentiments of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who labeled gun manufacturers as “merchants of death.”
The Pope’s message highlighted the need for global action to address gun violence and its impact on communities.
