In the United States government today, one of the most important questions is whether guns should not only be limited but completely abolished. The issue is more prevalent than it has been in the past due to the increase in mass shootings, such as in Newtown, CT and Aurora, CO. Pope Benedict XVI stated: “No reduction or elimination of weapons can occur without eliminating violence at its root.” However, something our government doesn't understand is that firearms are not the root of violence, but are simply a branch of a larger tree. The United States government should impose restrictions on the eligibility to purchase an assault rifle, but not on the purchase of repeating pistols and rifles necessary for self-protection, for the livelihood of some Americans, for the protection of our fundamental Second Amendment right, and to strengthen our economy. The American citizen's need for self-protection when attacked by a criminal is necessary and should be one of the primary reasons not to apply gun laws to American society. All citizens have the right to defend themselves as a way to free themselves or others from possible harm by an aggressor. The country itself has the right to self-preservation, and if weapons were taken from the citizens of the United States, the people would have to put all their faith in the United States Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps) when attacked by terrorists, rival countries and other similar groups. Pope Benedict XVI stated: “States will need to be armed for reasons of self-defense.” The Vatican's official position on this controversial topic is unclear. Vatican officials and popes have given speeches on the subject but have not written any encyclicals, a letter written... middle of paper...+debates>.Maestri, Jonathan. “US Gun Policy: Global Comparisons.” Background. July 15, 2013, Council on Foreign Relations. Network. 10 October 2013. Neve, Elly. “Gun Control and Hunting.” Sports Life 360. November 12, 2008. Web. November 5, 2013. White, Brian. “Maryland gun sales hit record high right before new gun control law goes into effect.” Huff Post Politics. September 28, 2013, Huffington Post. Network. October 10, 2013. Zapor, Patricia. “Religious groups begin to mobilize their members in support of gun control.” Catholic News Service. January 18, 2013, USCCB. Network. October. 2, 2013. .