Pope Leo condemns antisemitism in phone call with Israeli President

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-12/pope-leo-xiv-president-israel-phone-call-peace-antisemitism.html 

On Wednesday, December 17, Pope Leo XIV received a telephone call from Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel, as Christians prepare to celebrate Christmas and Jews mark the festival of Hanukkah.

According to the Holy See Press Office, the conversation came in light of the recent terrorist attack on the Jewish community in Sydney, Australia.

Pope Leo 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 Pope also renewed his appeal for "perseverance in the various ongoing peace processes in the region, and emphasized the urgency of intensifying and continuing efforts in the area of humanitarian aid."

On Sunday, December 14, two men targeted an event held at Bondi Beach during the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, killing 15 people and injuring 25 more.

The next day, Pope Leo prayed for the victims of the terrorist attack, as he met with groups that donated the Vatican's Christmas tree and Nativity Scene.

“Enough with these forms of antisemitic violence!” Pope Leo said. “We must eliminate hatred from our hearts.”

The Pope also sent a telegram to express his condolences and invoke “the divine blessings of peace and strength upon all Australians.”