Vatican City: At his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Leo XIV turned his heart and prayers toward the people of Austria, mourning the devastating school shooting that occurred in the city of Graz on June 10.

In a solemn appeal, the Pope said, “I am thinking of the children, their families, the educators, and the entire school community shattered by this senseless act.” He asked the faithful to join him in prayer, entrusting the lives lost to God’s eternal peace and seeking comfort for those left behind in anguish.

The tragedy unfolded early Tuesday morning when a 21-year-old former student unleashed gunfire at Dreierschützengasse High School. Ten lives were taken, including that of an adult staff member, while dozens suffered injuries—marking one of the deadliest incidents of violence in Austria’s recent history.

As the nation grapples with grief, Austria has declared three days of official mourning. Chancellor Christian Stocker described the massacre as “a black day for the soul of our nation,” calling the attack “an act of unthinkable cruelty that has left us deeply shaken.”

The sorrow echoed beyond Austria’s borders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen lamented the tragedy, saying, “Schools are meant to be sanctuaries of hope and future—not places where lives are lost.” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas added, “No child should ever fear for their life within the walls of a classroom.”

Pope Leo’s appeal captured the global spirit of mourning, reminding the world of the need for compassion, unity, and above all, a renewed commitment to protecting the dignity and safety of every human life—especially the young.