Vatican City, Dec 15, 2025 / 07:48 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV on Monday condemned a deadly attack on the Jewish community in Sydney, Australia, and entrusted the victims to God in prayer.
“Today I wish to entrust to the Lord the victims of the terrorist attack carried out yesterday in Sydney against the Jewish community,” the pope said Dec. 15, referring to a shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach that left at least 15 people dead and some 40 others injured.
The Holy Father expressed his spiritual closeness to those affected by the violence, which occurred as more than 1,000 people had gathered to mark the start of Hanukkah, also known as the Feast of Lights — one of the most important celebrations in the Jewish calendar.
According to local media reports, two armed assailants opened fire on the crowd, sparking panic and a mass flight toward the beach and nearby businesses. One attacker was killed during the police response, while the second remains in critical condition. Authorities are investigating possible links between the attackers and a jihadist terrorist organization. Among the victims were a child and a Holocaust survivor.
The pope made his remarks during a Vatican audience with delegations that donated this year’s Christmas tree and Nativity scenes for St. Peter’s Square and the Paul VI Audience Hall. During the same encounter, Leo also reflected on the meaning of Christmas, urging the faithful to “let the tenderness of the Child Jesus illuminate our lives.”
Catholic leaders in Australia also responded with prayer and a strong condemnation of antisemitism. Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney called for prayer and invoked the intercession of the Virgin Mary in the immediate aftermath of the Dec. 14 shooting.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.
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Hopefully, amidst all the mindlessly murderous anti-Jew and mindlessly murderous anti-Moslem atrocities, we Catholics and other Christians will see more clearly the uniquely universal value of the central message of our faith: “Jesus saves!”
Here is a video clip of a brilliant Moslem lady who found that truth –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoX0dqfN5Kk
Here is a video clip of a Jewish man who found that truth –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE7VRivMzy4
Our message to the world – “In Christ alone can we be united in peace.”
But does the Pope identify the perps? Of course not. Too risky. Expect another condemnation of violence when the next attack on Jews occurs (and it will).