Pope Urges End to ‘Pandemic of Arms’ After Minnesota Shooting

Pope Leo XIV has called for an end to the “pandemic of arms” following a tragic shooting incident during a Catholic school Mass in Minnesota. Speaking from the Vatican on October 1, 2023, the Pope prayed for the victims of the attack, which resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to twenty others at the Church of Annunciation in Minneapolis.

During his Sunday blessing, the Chicago-born pontiff expressed his sorrow over the violence, stating, “Our prayers for the victims of the tragic shooting during a school Mass in the American state of Minnesota.” He emphasized the need for spiritual support, particularly for children affected by gun violence worldwide. “Let us plead God to stop the pandemic of arms, large and small, which infects our world,” he added.

The shooting occurred when a gunman fired 116 rounds through the church’s stained-glass windows, targeting the large congregation gathered for Mass. The shooter subsequently took his own life, further intensifying discussions surrounding gun control in the United States.

Call for Peace and Ceasefire

In his remarks, Pope Leo XIV refrained from directly addressing the political implications of gun legislation but expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence fueled by firearms. He has previously conveyed condolences to those affected by the shooting, focusing on the spiritual impact rather than engaging in political discourse. His telegram stated he felt “saddened by the terrible tragedy” and offered “heartfelt condolences and the assurance of spiritual closeness to all those affected.”

Pope Leo XIV’s appeal for peace extended beyond the immediate context of the shooting. He urged for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, advocating for a “serious commitment to dialogue” from all parties involved. “It’s time that those responsible renounce the logic of weapons and take the path of negotiations and peace, with the support of the international community,” he said. He called for a shift away from violence, emphasizing the need for “the voice of fraternity and justice to rise.”

A Legacy of Advocacy Against Gun Violence

Pope Leo XIV’s statements resonate with the long-standing positions of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who has been an outspoken critic of the arms trade and the proliferation of weapons. In a notable address to the U.S. Congress in 2015, Pope Francis condemned the motives behind the arms industry, describing gun manufacturers as “merchants of death.” He highlighted the moral obligation to confront the issue, stating, “In the face of this shameful and culpable silence, it is our duty to confront the problem and to stop the arms trade.”

The recent tragedy in Minnesota has reignited the debate over gun control in America. Proponents of stricter regulations argue that policymakers often resort to “thoughts and prayers” rather than taking meaningful action on gun laws. Critics of the current gun policies point to the need for comprehensive background checks and other measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

As communities mourn the loss of young lives, the Pope’s call for an end to the “pandemic of arms” serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle against gun violence and the urgent need for dialogue and peace in both local and global contexts.