Pope Leo XIV appealed for the cessation of what he termed the “pandemic of arms,” as he offered prayers for victims involved in a tragic shooting at a Catholic school Mass in the United States.

The first pope from the United States expressed his condemnation of the incident and highlighted the harmful “logic of weapons” driving conflicts globally, during his Sunday address from a studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square, speaking directly in English.

“We extend our prayers to the victims of the sorrowful shooting at a school Mass in Minnesota,” stated Pope Leo, originally from Chicago. “In our thoughts are countless children worldwide who suffer injuries or lose their lives daily. Let us beseech God to end the proliferation of arms, both big and small, that afflict our world.”

The shooting incident at the Church of Annunciation in Minneapolis saw two children lose their lives and 20 others sustain injuries. The perpetrator fired 116 rounds through the church’s stained glass windows during a Mass attended by students and later took his own life.

Initially, following the shooting, Pope Leo refrained from making political statements regarding firearms in America. His message of condolence was spiritual in nature, expressing grief for the “terrible tragedy” and extending “heartfelt condolences and spiritual closeness” to those impacted.

Leo had opened his appeal Sunday by demanding an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and a “serious commitment to dialogue” from the warring sides.

“Those in authority must now abandon the logic of weapons in favor of negotiation and peace, bolstered by global support,” he urged. “Weapons must be silenced, allowing the voices of fraternity and justice to prevail.”