Pope Leo XIV condemned "antisemitic violence" after a mass shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach in Sydney that killed many and wounded dozens. He prayed for the victims, sent a telegram of condolence to the Archbishop of Sydney, and urged people to "eliminate hatred from our hearts." Australian leaders called the attack an act of antisemitic terrorism and promised tougher gun measures. The pope also used the occasion to deliver an anti-abortion message, noting a Nativity scene decorated with 28,000 ribbons symbolizing lives he said were saved from abortion.
Pope Leo XIV Condemns 'Antisemitic Violence' After Deadly Sydney Hanukkah Massacre: "We Must Eliminate Hatred"
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.
Pope Leo XIV on Monday strongly condemned what he described as "antisemitic violence" following a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. The attack, which occurred during a "Chanukah by the Sea" community event, left many dead and dozens wounded.
Prayer for the Victims and a Call for Peace
Speaking at an audience with donors of the Vatican’s Christmas decorations, the pope prayed for the victims and invoked "the gift of peace and fraternity" for the holiday season. "We pray for those who suffer from war and violence; in particular today I want to entrust to the Lord the victims of the terrorist attack in Sydney against the Jewish community," he said.
Pope Leo XIV shakes hands with Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Vatican City State at the end of an audience with donors of the Christmas tree and nativity scene set up at the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025.
"Enough of these forms of antisemitic violence! We must eliminate hatred from our hearts."
The pope also sent an official telegram of condolence to the Archbishop of Sydney, Most Rev. Anthony Fisher. The message, signed by the Vatican Secretary of State, expressed hope "that those tempted to violence will undergo conversion and seek the path of peace and solidarity."
What Happened
Authorities say two attackers opened fire at the Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach. Reports indicate at least 15 civilians were killed and dozens more wounded; combined casualty counts put the overall death toll at 16, including one of the gunmen. Police shot and killed one attacker while the other was hospitalized with injuries.
A man identified as Ahmed al Ahmed has been widely praised for bravely tackling and disarming one of the gunmen. He sustained gunshot wounds and is recovering in hospital.
Ribbons representing lives saved from abortion according to Catholic groups are seen on Nacimiento Gaudium, a nativity scene set during an audience led by Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025.
Political and Social Reaction
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denounced the shooting as "an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism," and pledged to further tighten Australia's already strict gun laws in response to the attack.
Other Remarks From the Pope
During the same audience, Pope Leo XIV also delivered a firm anti-abortion message while thanking donors of the Vatican's Christmas decorations. He described donated fir trees as "a sign of life" and highlighted a Nativity scene donated by Costa Rica that featured 28,000 ribbons. The pope said each ribbon represented an embryo he described as "a life saved from abortion," and thanked organizations that support expectant mothers, reaffirming the Church's teaching that "life is protected from conception."
Note: The Associated Press contributed to reporting on the attack.
