Pope mourns victims: terrible tragedy in Graz high school!

Pope mourns victims: terrible tragedy in Graz high school!

On June 11, 2025, a tragic shooting spree occurred at a high school in Graz that cast a deep shadow on the entire society. The 21-year-old perpetrator, a former student of the school, opened fire on students and teachers, resulting in a devastating outcome. A total of ten people were killed, including nine young people between the ages of 15 and 17 and a teacher. Eleven other people were also injured and now need to be treated in various hospitals. The perpetrator ultimately committed suicide.

In an official statement, Pope Leo XIV expressed his condolences for the victims and their families, teachers and schoolmates. He expressed his prayers for all those affected and the community in Graz. “In such terrible times, it is important that we stand by one another,” the Pope said, while the entire global religious community expressed its thoughts with the victims. In particular, the gruesome circumstances of the attack, which took place at a high school in the middle of school term, have agitated people and led to intense discussions about safety at schools.

The reactions of politics and society

The rampage, which began at 10 a.m., quickly sparked a massive police response, with people around the school asked to avoid the area. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner was directly on site and sensed the urgency with which the situation had to be brought under control. The mayor of Graz, Elke Kahr, described the incident as a “terrible tragedy” and the Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker spoke of a “national tragedy”. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen described the events as “horror”. This unified leadership response demonstrates the impact of the incident on the entire nation.

After the shooting, around 30 injured people were transported to several hospitals. The school was evacuated, with some of the children and teachers being taken to the Helmut List Hall in Graz. The family reunions took place in the ASKÖ hall, where crisis intervention teams were also available to help those affected during this difficult time. The diocese also offered 24-hour telephone counseling to provide people with support.

Background of the perpetrator

Initial investigations have shown that the perpetrator saw himself as a victim of bullying and acted out of revenge. The weapons he used in his attack were legally owned. This raises important questions about the conditions that can lead to such a brutal act. In many cases of mass shootings, clear patterns emerge: the perpetrators are often people who suffered from psychological problems, bullying or neglect, but do not necessarily suffer from mental disorders. Statistically speaking, victims of bullying are overrepresented in these violent acts, indicating that preventive measures are needed.

In contrast to the USA, where school shootings have received increased attention, in Austria this is a shockingly rare incident. However, the events raise questions about how society is able to better protect at-risk youth and increase school safety. Technological advances in gun safety as well as preventive programs in schools could represent possible approaches to improving the situation to avoid future tragedies.

In light of these devastating events, it remains clear that solidarity support, both political and social, is essential to heal the wounds and ensure the security of the next generation. Together we can find hope and strength to learn from this tragedy.