Pope Leo Appeals for End to Antisemitic Violence Following Sydney Attack

Vatican City, December 15, 2025 — Pope Leo XIV issued a strong appeal to end antisemitic violence after a deadly attack on a Jewish community gathering in Sydney, urging the global community to reject hatred and restore peace.

The Pope made his remarks during an audience with representatives of the delegations that donated this year’s Vatican Christmas Tree and Nativity Scene. Emphasising that these symbols stand for faith and hope, he invited the Church and the world to pray for those affected by war, conflict and targeted violence.

Referring specifically to the Sydney attack, which struck a Jewish community event, Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow for the victims and condemned the resurgence of antisemitism.

“Enough with these forms of antisemitic violence! We must eliminate hatred from our hearts,” he said, calling on people everywhere to foster fraternity and reject all forms of discrimination.

He appealed for renewed commitment to coexistence, urging the faithful to rediscover the meaning of Christmas as a season that calls humanity to peace, compassion and reconciliation.

The Pope’s intervention comes at a time of heightened concern over religiously motivated attacks worldwide, reinforcing the Vatican’s consistent stance on defending human dignity and denouncing violence of every kind.

Source and Image Credits : Vatican News