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15h ago

Pope Leo XIV Denounces Antisemitic Violence After Sydney Hanukkah Massacre

Australia’s prime minister has labeled the Bondi Beach attack antisemitic terrorism.

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 in the Bondi Beach attack, with some reports citing 16 dead and dozens injured.
  • The assault struck a public “Chanukah by the Sea” gathering attended by hundreds at the start of the Jewish festival.
  • Pope Leo XIV prayed for the victims and declared, “Enough of these forms of antisemitic violence,” urging people to eliminate hatred.
  • The Vatican sent a condolence telegram, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher expressing sorrow and spiritual closeness.
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the massacre as an act of antisemitic terrorism and vowed to strengthen Australia’s gun laws.