Annunciation Catholic School Shooting: Pope Leo XIV Calls For End To ‘Pandemic Of Arms’

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Pope Leo XIV has spoken out after the deadly shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and Church in Minneapolis, mourning the victims and condemning what he called a global "pandemic of arms."

In a post on his official X account Aug. 31, the Pope wrote:

"Our prayers for the victims of the tragic shooting during a school Mass in the American State of Minnesota include 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.

"May our Mother Mary, the Queen of Peace, help us to fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘They shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks’ (Is 2:4)."

The shooting on Wednesday left two students dead and dozens wounded during Mass, shaking families and parishioners across Minnesota.

How to donate

Families devastated by the Annunciation Catholic Church and School shooting are facing funerals, hospital stays, and long recoveries. Community members are looking for ways to help.

One option is a text-to-donate line set up by the Minneapolis Foundation. By texting ACF1 to 41444, the public can contribute to a relief fund that will be distributed in partnership with the Annunciation community.

GoFundMe has also compiled a hub of verified fundraisers. Below are those campaigns, with excerpts provided by families and organizers.

Read more: Here’s How To Donate To Families, Victims Of Annunciation Catholic School Shooting