Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting Kills 2 Children, Injures 17

Pope Leo XIV expressed profound sorrow and sent heartfelt condolences following the deadly shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, where a gunman fired dozens of rounds into a church during Mass, killing two children and injuring 17 others. In a telegram to Archbishop Bernard Hebda, the Pope assured spiritual closeness to the victims' families and the community, imparting his apostolic blessing as a pledge of peace, fortitude, and consolation. The gunman, identified as Robin Westman, targeted children and worshippers during the first Mass of the school year, with many victims expected to recover. Archbishop Hebda and officials praised the heroic actions of teachers and first responders, while the Archdiocese of Miami and Archbishop Thomas Wenski expressed solidarity and grief over the tragic event. The Pope's message also prayed for the wounded, first responders, medical personnel, and clergy involved. This mass shooting has deeply affected the Twin Cities metropolitan area and the broader Catholic community nationwide.