Monday, September 1, 2025 -Pope Leo has issued a powerful call to end what he described as the “pandemic of arms” following the tragic school shooting in Minnesota that left multiple victims dead and communities reeling.
Speaking during Sunday prayers at the Vatican, the pontiff urged global leaders to confront the spread of gun violence with the same urgency as a health crisis, warning that societies cannot claim to protect life while weapons continue to flow freely.
His message was both a prayer for the grieving families and a challenge to governments hesitant to enact reforms. The Pope’s remarks drew emotional responses worldwide, especially in the United States where the debate over gun control remains deeply polarizing.
Advocates for stricter firearm laws praised the pontiff for framing gun violence as a moral issue, not just a political one. Critics, however, accused him of overstepping into domestic affairs.
Social media lit up with survivors of previous shootings echoing his plea, underscoring the weight of his words beyond religious communities. As Minnesota mourns its latest tragedy, the Pope’s intervention adds a global spotlight to America’s gun crisis.
His call may intensify pressure on lawmakers ahead of upcoming policy debates, though partisan divides are expected to stall sweeping change. Still, his message that lives matter more than weapons could become a rallying cry for reform advocates and faith leaders determined to confront the cycle of violence.
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