Catholic School Shooting Prompts Archbishop Hebda's Call for Prayers and Action, Based on Hope
In a tragic turn of events, a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis left two children dead and 17 other victims injured. The perpetrator, identified as Robin W. (Robin Westman), a trans person who had legally changed their name and was known to identify as female for several years, died by suicide on a nearby parking lot following the shooting.
The leader of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda, joined Annunciation Catholic School Principal Matt DeBoer and other city and state leaders for a media briefing. He commended DeBoer, Father Dennis Zehren, and Deacon Kevin Conneely for their response to the tragic incident.
Archbishop Hebda also read a message from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, expressing Pope Leo XIV's prayers and spiritual closeness to the victims. In a show of solidarity, Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for the victims during Mass at Annunciation Catholic School.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara were present at the media briefing, offering their condolences and support to the school community.
Interestingly, Pope Leo XIV spent some time in Minneapolis during his hospital training, making this tragic incident even more poignant for the religious leader.
As the community of Minneapolis grapples with this devastating event, the prayers and support of Pope Leo XIV and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis serve as a beacon of hope in these trying times.
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