Most Rev. Austin A. Vetter Bishop | Diocese of Helena

Bishop Austin A. Vetter of the Diocese of Helena has issued a statement in response to the recent shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. In his message, Bishop Vetter expressed solidarity with Pope Leo XIV and Catholics worldwide as they mourn those affected by the incident.

"With heavy hearts, we join Pope Leo XIV and the global faithful in prayer for those impacted by the tragic violence at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Our hearts grieve as we ask Jesus to embrace those enduring this trauma and loss, and we entrust the souls of the departed to the eternal peace of Christ," Bishop Vetter said.

He called on members of the faith community to unite in prayer during this difficult time. "Together, we stand as one family in faith, leaning on the God of love for healing and hope. Let us remain steadfast in prayer, drawing strength and unity from the Sacred Heart of Jesus," he stated.

The Diocese of Helena joins others across the nation who are responding to tragedies affecting Catholic communities.