Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep sorrow following a violent attack in Australia that claimed the lives of sixteen people on December 14. The Holy Father responded after learning that a group of Jews were attacked while gathered for a Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach. His message was conveyed through a formal telegram sent to the Archbishop of Sydney, Archbishop Anthony Fisher, and signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
The Pope’s message acknowledged the profound grief caused by the attack and emphasized his spiritual closeness to all those affected by the tragedy. In moments of such loss, the Church consistently affirms the dignity of every human life and the shared responsibility of all people to reject hatred and violence. Pope Leo’s words reflected this conviction, offering prayerful solidarity with victims, families, and the wider Australian community.
The Holy Father specifically remembered those who lost their lives, commending them to the mercy of God. He also lifted up those who remain injured or traumatized, praying for their physical recovery and interior healing. In addition, he extended consolation to grieving families and friends who now bear the heavy burden of loss, entrusting them to the Lord’s sustaining grace during this time of mourning.
Beyond expressions of sympathy, Pope Leo renewed his call for conversion of heart. He prayed that those tempted toward violence would turn away from hatred and instead seek the path of peace. This appeal reflects the Church’s enduring teaching that violence never brings justice or healing, but only deepens wounds within individuals and societies. True peace, the Pope has often emphasized, begins with interior conversion and openness to God’s grace.
The Pope’s message also carried a broader intention for the people of Australia. He invoked divine blessings of peace and strength upon the nation as it grapples with the shock and sorrow caused by the attack. In doing so, he underscored the importance of unity, prayer, and mutual support in the face of senseless acts that threaten social harmony.
As tributes continue to be placed near the site of the attack, the Holy Father’s response serves as a reminder of the Church’s role in moments of global suffering. The Pope stands as a shepherd not only to Catholics, but as a voice calling all people of good will to resist violence and uphold the sanctity of life. Through prayer, compassion, and a renewed commitment to peace, Pope Leo encourages the faithful and the wider world to respond to tragedy not with despair, but with hope rooted in God’s justice and mercy.