Pope Leo XIV asked people “to plead with God to stop the pandemic of arms, large and small, which infects our world” as he prayed for “the victims of the tragic shooting during a school Mass” in Minnesota last week and for “the countless children killed and injured every day around the world” by these weapons. Significantly, he said he also included in his prayer “the countless children killed and injured everyday around the world,” without specifying in which countries. “Sadly, the war in Ukraine continues to sow death and destruction. Even in recent days, bombings have struck several cities, including the capital Kyiv, causing numerous casualties” he said. He entrusted “all our injured, missing and dead, everywhere, to our Savior’s loving embrace.”Finally, he reminded people that tomorrow, Sept. 1, is the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.