Pope Leo XIV Prays for Victims of Austrian School Shooting

Vatican City, 12 June, 2025 : At his General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV offered heartfelt prayers for the victims of the recent school shooting in Graz, Austria. The Pope extended his condolences to all those affected by the tragedy, particularly the families, educators, and students impacted.

“My thoughts are with the families, the teachers, and the students,” the Holy Father said. He prayed that God would “welcome these children into His peace,” underscoring the Church’s solidarity with those mourning.

The shooting took place early Tuesday morning, 10 June, when a 21-year-old former pupil opened fire at the Dreierschützengasse high school. Ten people, including one adult, lost their lives in what has become one of the most devastating acts of violence in Austria’s recent history. Dozens more sustained injuries during the attack.

A crisis intervention team member was seen seated in front of a growing memorial outside the school premises in Graz, symbolising the collective grief engulfing the nation.

Austria has declared three days of national mourning. Chancellor Christian Stocker described the tragedy as “a dark day in the history of our country”, calling it “an act of unimaginable violence” and “a national tragedy that has shocked us all.”

European leaders swiftly reacted with messages of sympathy. President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, remarked that schools should be “symbols of youth, hope and the future”, adding that “it is hard to bear when schools become places of death and violence.”

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed deep dismay, stressing that children have the right to safety and peace in educational environments. “No child should live in fear at school,” she said, reiterating the urgent need to preserve learning spaces as sanctuaries.

As Austria mourns, the international community stands in solidarity, echoing the Pope’s call for peace, remembrance, and healing. The tragedy has reignited discussions across Europe about school safety and youth mental health support.

Courtesy: Vatican News