Pope Leo Expresses Grief Over Catholic School Shooting in Minneapolis

Vatican, August 28, 2025: Pope Leo XIV has expressed profound sorrow over the deaths of two children and injuries to 17 others following the shooting at the Annunciation Catholic Church and school complex in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, on August 27.

In a telegram to Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Minneapolis, the Pope conveyed his "heartfelt condolences and the assurance of spiritual closeness to all those affected by this terrible tragedy, especially the families now grieving the loss of a child."

The telegram, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, states that the Pope commends "the souls of the deceased children to the love of Almighty God" and "prays for the wounded as well as the first responders, medical personnel and clergy who are caring for them and their loved ones."

As a "pledge of peace, fortitude and consolation in the Lord Jesus," Pope Leo imparted his Apostolic Blessing upon "the Annunciation Catholic School Community, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and the people of the greater twin cities metropolitan area."

A man opened fire at the Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, the largest city in the state of Minnesota. The attack occurred at 8:30 a.m. local time during a back-to-school Mass. The complex also houses a school serving children from preschool to middle school.

Police reported several hours later that at least two children, aged eight and ten, were killed, and another 17 were injured, including 14 children, seven of whom were in serious condition. Authorities believe the shooter committed suicide after firing through windows where children were attending Mass inside the school chapel. The motive for the attack remains unknown.

Archbishop William Lori, vice-president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement saying, “As a Church, we are following the tragic news from Annunciation School in Minneapolis with heartbreaking sadness. Whenever one part of the Body of Christ is wounded, we feel the pain as if it were our very own children. Let us all beg the Lord for the protection and healing of the entire Annunciation family.”

Courtesy: Vatican News

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