Texas school shooting: Pope Francis says massacres like Uvalde ‘cannot occur again’

Pope Francis is speaking out Wednesday following the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, saying that “tragedies like this cannot occur again.” 

Francis, addressing his general audience at the Vatican, said he is “heartbroken about the massacre” and is praying for the 19 children and two adults who lost their lives after shooter Salvador Ramos opened fire Tuesday. 

“It’s time to say ‘Enough’ to the indiscriminate trade of weapons!” Francis added. 

Francis’ remarks were met with applause from his audience, according to Reuters. 

UVALDE, TEXAS SCHOOL SHOOTING: LIVE UPDATES 

As of Wednesday, the motive for the school shooting remains unclear. 

The death toll currently stands at 19 children and two adults, one of which is a teacher, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said. 

Ramos, a Uvalde resident, acted alone and has died following the shooting, according to authorities. 

The assault at Robb Elementary School was the deadliest shooting at a U.S. grade school since a gunman killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, almost a decade ago. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.