Pope Leo Calls for End to 'Pandemic of Arms',

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, issued a powerful appeal for peace and gun control during his Sunday blessing from the Vatican, following a tragic mass shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. The attack, which took place during a school Mass, left two children dead and 20 others injured after a gunman fired 116 rifle rounds through the church’s stained-glass windows before dying by suicide.

In his address, Pope Leo stated, “Let us plead God to stop the pandemic of arms, large and small, which infects our world.” He explicitly linked the violence in Minnesota to a broader crisis, lamenting the countless children killed and injured by firearms globally. His remarks, delivered in English, resonated with international audiences and highlighted the disproportionate impact of gun violence in the United States compared to other nations.

A Call for Global Fraternity and Ceasefire

Pope Leo’s message went beyond condolences, as he called for an end to the “logic of weapons” and advocated for a culture of fraternity and justice. He urged leaders to “renounce the logic of weapons and take the path of negotiations and peace, with the support of the international community.” The pontiff’s comments also referenced ongoing conflicts, notably calling for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and emphasizing the need for dialogue over violence.

His statements echoed the positions of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who had condemned the arms industry and questioned the morality of weapons sales. However, Leo’s American background and the timing of his remarks—immediately after a high-profile shooting in his home country—gave his words particular weight. The pope’s initial response to the shooting was notably apolitical, focusing on spiritual comfort and offering a telegram of condolence that avoided direct political commentary.

Political and Social Reactions

The Minnesota shooting has reignited debate over gun control in the United States. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly called for concrete solutions rather than the “thoughts and prayers” statements that often follow such tragedies. Pope Leo’s intervention, while rooted in spiritual language, was widely interpreted as a challenge to political leaders to address the root causes of gun violence.

International media coverage of the pope’s remarks has varied. Independent outlets in democratic countries have largely highlighted the urgency and moral clarity of his appeal, while some state-affiliated sources in authoritarian countries have attempted to frame the violence as indicative of systemic Western decline, often using emotional language and selective statistics. Such narratives tend to deflect from domestic issues and exploit foreign tragedies for political gain, a common propaganda tactic.

Despite these divergent interpretations, Pope Leo’s call for an end to the “pandemic of arms” has added momentum to global discussions on arms control, peace negotiations, and the protection of children from violence. His leadership on the issue is likely to influence both religious and secular debates in the months ahead.