Pope condemns escalating weaponry in a global context, offering prayers for those affected by the school shooting in Minnesota
Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. pope, has been a vocal advocate for peace and disarmament since his election in 2025. In a recent development, he has called for a ceasefire in Ukraine and urged the warring parties to engage in serious dialogue.
During his Sunday blessing, Pope Leo XIV demanded an immediate end to the conflict in Ukraine, stating that the path of negotiations and peace is the only way forward. He emphasised the need for the international community to support these efforts.
This call for peace is not new for Pope Leo XIV. In a similar vein, his predecessor, Pope Francis, had long railed against the weapons industry and the proliferation of arms fueling wars. In his historic 2015 speech to the U.S. Congress, Pope Francis denounced gun manufacturers as "merchants of death."
The 2015 speech was a significant moment in Pope Francis's campaign against the arms industry. He urged U.S. lawmakers to confront the problem and stop the arms trade, stating that the answer to the proliferation of weapons was simply for money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood.
Unfortunately, the call for peace and disarmament seems to be overshadowed by tragic events. In a recent shooting attack at the Church of Annunciation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, two children were killed and 20 people were injured. The shooter later died by suicide.
The attack has reignited the debate over guns in America. Those who support stricter background checks on gun purchases and other laws often accuse Republican politicians of trying to distract from their own inaction on gun restrictions after school shootings.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram of condolence that focused exclusively on the spiritual. However, his voice has been consistent in his calls for an end to the "pandemic of arms, large and small." In his Sunday noon blessing, he called for the voice of weapons to be silenced, while the voice of fraternity and justice must rise.
Pope Leo XIV, born in Chicago, has shown a deep commitment to peace and disarmament. His calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine and an end to the arms trade are a testament to his dedication to these causes. As the world grapples with conflict and violence, the voice of Pope Leo XIV serves as a beacon of hope for peace and justice.
