Pope Leo XIV mourns the loss of the victims of the killing spree in Graz

Pope Leo XIV mourns the loss of the victims of the killing spree in Graz

Dreierschützengasse, 8010 Graz, Österreich - On June 11, 2025, Pope Leo XIV expressed his deep sympathy for the victims of a tragic killing spree in Graz. During a general audience on St. Peter's Square, he commemorated the nine pupils between the ages of 14 and 17 and a teacher who had lost their lives on Tuesday at Borg Dreierschützengasse. The perpetrator, a 21-year-old former student, committed suicide in a school toilet after the crime. This cruel violent act left eleven injuries and shook the entire nation.

The Pope prayed for the victims and their relatives and expressed his solidarity with the teachers and classmates. In his speech, he said: "May the Lord add this to his children in his peace." Around 40,000 people were present at the general audience, and the Pope spoke about the dismay he felt on the basis of this act of violence. In addition, a minute's silence took place on Wednesday morning to commemorate the victims, while many churches, including the famous St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, marked the mourning with bells.

follow emotional abuse

The background of this act of violence could reflect more deeper social problems. According to a study by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, emotional abuse and neglect are the most common forms of violence against children and adolescents. An investigation showed that more than 300 out of 800 children and adolescents surveyed reported abuse, with emotional abuse has significant psychological consequences for those affected.

expertise emphasize urgency to raise more awareness of emotional violence. Studies show that emotional abuse can lead to behavioral problems, depression and anxiety disorders. The psychiatrist Lars Otto White diagnosed a boy who suffered from neglected contact with his father and threatening behavior of his overwhelmed mother. This illustrates how fundamental emotional well -being is for the mental health of children.

Investigations and solidarity

The investigation into the motif of the perpetrator continues to run, while solidarity is growing among the population. Pope Leo XIV called for the victims of violence to enter the prayer of the global church. His sympathy is part of numerous expressions of solidarity from home and abroad, shows that such tragic events require responsibility for society as a whole.

In the coming days, it will be important to prioritize the needs of children and adolescents in order to prevent repeating of such tragedies and create a safe environment for growing up. Understanding and accepting emotional support is crucial to heal the mental wounds that leave such acts of violence.

For more information on the statements of the Pope and details on the tragedy, see Vienna.at reports that ... and [vaticannews.de …] (Https://www.vaticannews.va/de/papst/news/2025-06/apst-leo-xiv-bekundet-nach-chulpruchtoediein-graz.html). For further information about emotional abuse, please visit Tagesschau.de reports that….