Pope Leo is “deeply saddened” by attack in Australia

Vatican News

After hearing the news of the attack at Bondi Beach in Australia, Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram, signed by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to the Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher.

The Pope expressed his deep sadness for the loss of “members of the Jewish community gathered for a Hanukkah celebration.” The telegram went on to offer the Holy Father’s “assurance of his spiritual closeness to all those affected by this senseless act of violence.”

Tributes are left at the Bondi Pavillion in memory of the victims of the shooting   (AFP or licensors)

Pope Leo shared his renewed hope that “those tempted to violence will undergo conversion and seek the path of peace”. He offered his prayers for those still recovering “as well as consolation for those grieving the loss of a loved one.” He commended the dead to God while invoking “the divine blessings of peace and strength upon all Australians.”