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Pope Denounces Sydney Attack Calls For Peace
Clear Facts
- Pope Leo XIV condemned antisemitic violence after the Sydney Hanukkah shooting.
- The pope prayed for victims and called for an end to hatred during a Vatican audience.
- The Sydney attack left at least 15 dead and dozens wounded, and was labeled antisemitic terrorism by Australia’s prime minister.
Pope Leo XIV spoke out against the violence that targeted the Jewish community in Sydney, Australia over the weekend.
He offered prayers for the victims and for “the gift of peace and fraternity” during a Vatican event with Christmas donors.
“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,” the pope said on Monday.
“Enough of these forms of antisemitic violence!” he continued. “We must eliminate hatred from our hearts.”
The pontiff sent similar prayers in a telegram to Sydney’s archbishop, expressing hope violent individuals would choose peace and solidarity instead.
The shooting at Bondi Beach killed at least 15, wounding dozens more during a Chanukah celebration.
One gunman was killed by police, while the other was hospitalized after being stopped by a bystander, Ahmed al Ahmed, who is recovering from injuries.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence as “an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism.”
Pope Leo XIV also used the audience to share his pro-life stance, describing Christmas decorations as signs of faith and hope.
He noted the Nativity scene included 28,000 ribbons representing lives saved from abortion due to Catholic organizations’ support.
“Each of these 28,000 colored ribbons that decorate the scene represent a life saved from abortion thanks to the prayer and support provided by Catholic organizations to many mothers in need,” the pontiff said.
He thanked the artist, affirming that “life is protected from conception.”
Stay with us for updates as more develops on this troubling incident and reactions from global leaders.
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