Pope prays for conversion for the violent: Bondi attack

While the Holy Father mentioned the Sydney tragedy on Monday morning, an official statement came on his behalf from his Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

As customary, the note was sent to the local archbishop, in this case, Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney.

Deeply saddened to learn of the horrific attack that occurred in Sydney, which claimed the lives of members of the Jewish Community gathered for a Hanukkah celebration, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV offers the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all those affected by this senseless act of violence. With renewed hope that those tempted to violence will undergo conversion and seek the path of peace and solidarity, His Holiness prays for the healing of those still recovering as well as consolation for those grieving the loss of a loved one.

Commending the dead to the loving mercy of Almighty God, the Holy Father invokes the divine blessings of peace and strength upon all Australians.

According to initial investigations, the attackers — a father and son duo — had links to Islamic State, as evidenced by two flags found in the car thought to belong to them.

A man who risked his own life to bring down one of the attackers is being lauded as a hero. A donation site has raised well over 2 million dollars for him.

Ahmed al-Ahmed is a 44-year-old father of two.

In a social media post from the hospital, he said he “appreciated the efforts of everyone.”

“May Allah reward you and grant well-being,” he said in Arabic in the video.

Australia’s prime minister said, “Ahmed represents the best of our country.”