OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - Appeal of 'Catholic Mission': “No” to destructive violence and hatred in society

Sydney (Agenzia Fides) – “There is no place in Australia for such destructive violence. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy. We stand in solidarity with those who have died or been injured, with those who were in Bondi when this act of violence occurred, with their families, their friends, and with all Australians,” stated Catholic Mission, the Australian direction of the Pontifical Mission Societies, in a press release the day after the Sydney massacre, where on December 14, two men, aged 50 and 24, opened fire on the crowd during the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach, killing 15 people (including a rabbi and a young girl) and injuring dozens more. “Catholic Mission will continue working for peace, harmony, dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect for all,” the statement emphasizes.
The network of Pontifical Mission Societies in Australia supports and shares the statement of the Australian Bishops' Conference, which wrote in a message to the nation: “Violence and horror have deeply shaken Australians. The loss of innocent lives is an immeasurable tragedy. The families and loved ones of those who have died have seen their world shattered.” “The hearts of all the people of this nation,” the message continues, “are with the families of those who have died and with all those who have been injured.” “The distorted motivations that have driven those who perpetrated these terrible acts are clearly linked to the scourge of antisemitism,” the Bishops note, “which is a shocking and deeply distressing reality that calls into question our very understanding of ourselves as Australians.”
“In a country that prides itself on its tolerance and genuine hospitality,” the statement reads, “this blind prejudice and hatred represent a dark and destructive stain on our society, threatening not only our Jewish brothers and sisters, but indeed all of us.” Therefore, it affirms, “nothing can ever justify this destructive violence,” nor should it generate, in response, “more violence and hatred.” “Our horror at what has happened must become a source of determination to turn our backs on every act of violence and blind hatred,” the Australian bishops hope. Assuring their prayers, the text concludes: “We join all those who condemn such terrible violence and implore all Australians to reject every impulse toward hatred and violence and to commit themselves, instead, to being builders of peace in our families, among our friends, and in society at large.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 15/12/2025)

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