Pope Leo XVI publicly prayed for the victims of a Minnesota school shooting, calling for an end to the global arms pandemic. Two children were killed and numerous others injured when a shooter fired over 100 rounds into a church during a school mass. The Pope denounced the "logic of weapons" fueling conflicts worldwide, urging a ceasefire in Ukraine and a commitment to peace talks. Initially offering spiritual condolences, the Pope later issued a stronger statement against gun violence.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.