Pope Calls For End To ‘Pandemic of Arms’ After Minnesota School Shooting

Pope Leo XIV has called for the “pandemic of arms, large and small” to end following the school shooting in Minnesota last week.

Speaking during his weekly prayer at the Vatican on Sunday, he said: “Our prayers for the victims of the tragic shooting during a school mass in the American state of Minnesota. We hold 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.”

He added: “The voice of weapons must fall silent, and the voice of fraternity and justice must prevail.”

Two children were killed and 18 children were hurt at the Catholic Annunciation school in Minneapolis last Wednesday when a shooter opened fire while they were gathered for mass.

The victims were later identified as Harper Moyski, 10, and Fletcher Merkel, eight.

This is a developing story. More to follow.