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3d ago

Pope Leo XIV Condemns Antisemitic Sydney Attack, Sends Telegram to Archbishop

The condolence telegram centers on solidarity with Sydney’s Jewish community.

Pope Leo XIV hugs a child at the end of an audience with donors of the Christmas tree and nativity scene set up in St. Peter's Square, in the Paul VI Hall, at the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Sister Raffaella Petrini, left, President of the Vatican City State walks at the end of an audience with Pope Leo XIV with donors of the Christmas tree and nativity scene set up in St. Peter's Square, in the Paul VI Hall, at the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Pope Leo XIV prays in front of Nacimiento Gaudium, a nativity scene set in the Paul VI Hall adorned with 28,000 ribbons representing lives saved from abortion according to Catholic organizations, during an audience with donors of the Christmas tree and of the nativity scenes, at the Vatican Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Ribbons representing lives saved from abortion according to Catholic organizations are seen on Nacimiento Gaudium, a nativity scene set in the Paul VI Hall during an audience led by Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Overview

  • At least 15 people were killed at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, with some reports citing 16 dead including a gunman, and dozens were wounded.
  • Pope Leo XIV denounced the attack as antisemitic violence and prayed for the victims during public remarks in Rome.
  • A formal Vatican telegram, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, offered prayers for the injured, consolation for grieving families, and a call for conversion from violence.
  • Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labeled the shooting antisemitic terrorism and said the government would strengthen gun laws.
  • Reports describe a father-and-son pair as the attackers, with one shot dead by police and the other hospitalized, and a bystander identified as Ahmed al Ahmed credited with disarming a gunman and recovering in hospital.