Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed the profound sorrow of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and his personal grief following the deadly armed attack that took place on Wednesday, April 15, at Ayser Çalık School in Kahramanmaraş.
The Patriarch stated that he was deeply shaken by the fact that two similar tragic incidents occurred within just 24 hours in schools across the country, including another attack in Şanlıurfa, resulting in deaths and injuries.
In his message, he described the events as “an unspeakable tragedy” and emphasized that both the state and society must take responsibility in addressing such extreme manifestations of violence. He called on authorities, citizens, educators, and parents to act decisively to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Patriarch Bartholomew also stressed the need to support young people, noting that today’s youth are increasingly exposed to violent imagery and influences. He urged collective efforts to confront this reality and to foster a culture that rejects violence.
Concluding his statement, he offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the children and the teacher who lost their lives, while also expressing hope for the swift recovery of those injured and strength for their grieving families.
What happened in Kahramanmaraş
On April 15, 2026, a tragic school shooting occurred at the Ayser Çalık Middle School in the Onikişubat district of Kahramanmaraş, Turkey.
A 14-year-old student opened fire, killing at least 9 people (8 students and one teacher) and wounding 13 others. The death toll was later reported by some sources to have reached 10.
This was the second school shooting in Turkey in just two days, following a similar attack in Şanlıurfa on April 14.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas