By Charles Igwe
Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic school shooting in Graz, Austria, offering prayers for the victims, their families, and the entire community. Speaking during his Wednesday General Audience at the Vatican, the Holy Father remembered those affected by the attack, which occurred on June 10 at Dreierschützengasse High School.
“My thoughts are with the families, the teachers, and the students,” the Pope said, asking God to “welcome these children into His peace.”
The devastating incident unfolded when a 21-year-old former student opened fire at the school, claiming the lives of 10 individuals—including one adult—and injuring dozens more. The attack is now regarded as one of the deadliest acts of violence in Austria’s recent history.
In response, the Austrian government has declared three days of national mourning. Chancellor Christian Stocker described the event as “a dark day in the history of our country,” calling it “unimaginable violence” and “a national tragedy that has shocked us all.”
Leaders across Europe have joined in expressing their condolences. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attack, stating that schools should remain “symbols of youth, hope and the future,” and lamented the horror of seeing them become “places of death and violence.”
Echoing this sentiment, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the tragedy was heartbreaking and emphasized the right of every child to feel safe at school: “Every child should feel safe at school and be able to learn free from fear and violence.”
