A menorah is projected onto the Sydney Opera House sails after a shooting during a Jewish holiday celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney A menorah is projected onto the Sydney Opera House sails after a shooting during a Jewish holiday celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney  (REUTERS/Hollie Adams)

Pope Leo is “deeply saddened” by attack in Australia

Pope Leo XIV sends a telegram to the Archbishop of Sydney, Australia, to offer his condolences and assure his prayers for those affected by the attack on the Jewish community that killed 16 people on 14 December.

Vatican News

After hearing the news of the attack at Bondi Beach in Australia, Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State 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 Holy Father offered his 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
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.” 

Pope Leo XIV concluded his telegram by commending the dead to God while invoking “the divine blessings of peace and strength upon all Australians.”

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15 December 2025, 15:09