VATICAN CITY – On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV condemned the ongoing “pandemic of arms, large and small,” offering prayers for those affected by the shooting at a Catholic school Mass in the USA.

As the first pope from the U.S., he spoke in English, calling for an end to the “logic of weapons” and championing a culture of fraternity, during his Sunday noon blessing from his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square.

“Our prayers are with the victims of the tragic school Mass shooting in Minnesota, USA,” said Leo, originally from Chicago. “We remember the many children hurt and killed daily worldwide and ask God to end this arms pandemic.”

The attack at the Church of Annunciation in Minneapolis resulted in two children dead and 20 injured, as hundreds gathered for a Mass. The shooter fired 116 rounds through stained-glass windows before committing suicide.

Following the shooting, Leo initially avoided political comments, sending a telegram expressing his sorrow for the “terrible tragedy” and extending condolences, emphasizing spiritual support to those impacted.