Tragic Shooting at Minneapolis Church Claims Lives of Two Children
A shooting at the Church of Annunciation in Minneapolis resulted in two children dead and 20 others injured, prompting Pope Leo XIV to denounce the 'pandemic of arms'.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
- A shooting occurred at the Church of Annunciation in Minneapolis, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuries to 20 others.
- The assailant fired 116 rifle rounds through the church's stained-glass windows before taking his own life, causing significant devastation.
- Pope Leo XIV condemned the violence, referring to it as a 'pandemic of arms' and offered prayers for the victims.
- In his message, the Pope called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for dialogue among conflicting parties.
- While expressing condolences, Pope Leo refrained from direct political commentary on gun control in America, focusing instead on spiritual support for the victims.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by connecting the Pope's prayer for shooting victims to the broader U.S. gun control debate. One source explicitly pivots from the Pope's "pandemic of arms" message to highlight one political side's critique of "inaction" on gun restrictions, reinforced by recalling past papal condemnations of the weapons industry. This creates a narrative aligning the Church's message with calls for stricter gun control.
"The pope prayed that the Virgin Mary would help humanity fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah: “They shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks.”"
USA TODAY"Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called for an end to the “pandemic of arms, large and small,” as he prayed publicly for the victims of a shooting during a Catholic school Mass in the United States."
Chicago Tribune"Pope Leo XVI prayed publicly on Sunday for the victims of the shooting at a Catholic school in Minnesota and called for an end to the "pandemic of arms, large and small.""
CBS News"Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called for an end to the “pandemic of arms, large and small,” as he prayed publicly for the victims of a shooting during a Catholic school Mass in the United States."
ABC News"Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called for an end to the “pandemic of arms, large and small,” as he prayed publicly for the victims of a shooting during a Catholic school Mass in the United States."
Associated PressArticles (8)
Center (5)
FAQ
The shooter was identified as Robin Westman, who opened fire outside the church at the Catholic school in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025, before dying by suicide at the scene.
The shooter fired approximately 116 rounds from a rifle through the church's stained-glass windows and was also armed with a shotgun and a pistol, although the handgun appeared to have malfunctioned.
Two children were killed—an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old—and 20 others were injured, including 14 children aged 6 to 14 and three elderly parishioners in their 80s.
The community gathered for mourning with flowers and candles, and held Mass services reflecting on the tragedy. Police and city officials increased law enforcement patrols in schools citywide for safety. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called for change to ensure children can attend school and church without fear of violence.
Pope Leo XIV condemned the violence as a 'pandemic of arms,' offered prayers for victims, and called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, emphasizing dialogue rather than commenting directly on American gun control.
History
- 17d3 articles