Pope Leo XIV condemns antisemitism in call with Israeli President Herzog and sends condolences after terrorist attack kills 15-16 at Sydney Hanukkah event.
Newsroom (17/12/2025 Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s unwavering opposition to antisemitism in a telephone conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, amid heightened concerns over global Jewish community safety following a deadly terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia.
The call, which took place on Wednesday, December 17, occurred as Christians worldwide prepare for Christmas and Jewish communities observe Hanukkah. According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, the discussion was prompted by the recent assault on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney.
During the conversation, Pope Leo XIV reiterated the “Catholic Church’s firm condemnation of all forms of antisemitism, which, throughout the world, continues to sow fear in Jewish communities and in society as a whole.” The pontiff also renewed his appeal for perseverance in ongoing peace processes in the Middle East region and stressed the urgency of intensifying humanitarian aid efforts.
The attack in question unfolded on Sunday, December 14, when two men targeted an event at Bondi Beach, resulting in the deaths of 15 people and injuries to 25 others, according to reports referenced by the Vatican. A separate Vatican communication described the incident as claiming 16 lives among members of the Jewish community gathered for Hanukkah.
Expressing profound grief, Pope Leo XIV declared himself “deeply saddened” by the violence. In remarks made the following day while meeting with donors of the Vatican’s Christmas tree and Nativity Scene, the Pope exclaimed, “Enough with these forms of antisemitic violence! We must eliminate hatred from our hearts.”
In addition to the phone call with President Herzog, Pope Leo XIV dispatched a formal telegram of condolence, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, to Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney. The message conveyed the Pope’s deep sadness over the loss of life during the Hanukkah gathering and assured his “spiritual closeness to all those affected by this senseless act of violence.”
The Holy Father expressed hope that “those tempted to violence will undergo conversion and seek the path of peace,” while offering prayers for the recovery of the injured and consolation for the bereaved. Concluding the telegram, Pope Leo commended the deceased to God’s mercy and invoked “the divine blessings of peace and strength upon all Australians.”
These actions underscore the Vatican’s consistent stance against hatred and violence directed at Jewish communities, particularly during a period of overlapping religious observances that traditionally emphasize themes of light, peace, and reconciliation.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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