Pope denounces 'pandemic of arms' as he prays for victims of Minn. school shooting

Published: Sunday, August 31, 2025 at 11:10 am

Pope Condemns Global Arms Trade, Prays for School Shooting Victims

VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. pontiff, used his Sunday address to condemn the global arms trade and offer prayers for the victims of a recent school shooting in the United States. Speaking in English, the Pope addressed the tragic events at a Catholic school Mass, where a shooting resulted in multiple casualties and injuries.

The Pope expressed his sorrow for the victims and their families, highlighting the loss of young lives. He called for an end to what he termed the "pandemic of arms," encompassing both large and small weapons, which he believes is fueling conflicts worldwide. He specifically mentioned the need to stop the daily killing and injuring of children around the globe.

This condemnation of the arms trade follows a previous expression of spiritual support from the Pope, who had initially sent a telegram of condolence focused on spiritual closeness to those affected by the shooting.

In addition to addressing the school shooting, Pope Leo XIV also called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and urged the warring parties to engage in dialogue. He emphasized the need to silence the "voice of weapons" and instead prioritize fraternity and justice. He called on those responsible to abandon the logic of weapons and embrace negotiations, with the support of the international community.

BNN's Perspective: The Pope's remarks reflect a consistent moral stance against violence and a plea for peace. While the call for an end to the arms trade is a broad one, it underscores the devastating impact of weapons on civilian populations, particularly children. The Pope's simultaneous call for dialogue in Ukraine demonstrates a commitment to peaceful resolutions in international conflicts.

Keywords: Pope, Leo XIV, arms trade, school shooting, violence, Ukraine, ceasefire, peace, Catholic school, victims, prayer, weapons, international community, dialogue

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