On Monday, [blank] condemned “antisemitic violence” following the mass shooting in Sydney, Australia, where a father and son opened fire on a crowd attending a Hanukkah celebration.

The pope prayed for the victims and the “gift of peace and fraternity” this holiday season during an audience with the donors of the [blank].

“We pray for those suffering from war and violence—today, in particular, I want to entrust to the Lord the victims of the Sydney terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community,” the pontiff stated Monday.

“Enough of this antisemitic violence!” he added. “We must root hatred out of our hearts.”

Leo offered similar prayers in an official condolence telegram sent to Sydney’s archbishop, Most. Rev. Anthony Fisher.

The pope prayed “with renewed hope that those tempted to violence will turn away and choose the path of peace and solidarity,” according to the telegram signed by the Vatican secretary of state.

At least 15 people were killed and dozens wounded in the weekend massacre on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, where hundreds had gathered for “Chanukah by the Sea” to mark the start of the Jewish festival. One gunman was shot dead by police, and the other was hospitalized with injuries.

A man named Ahmed al Ahmed has been hailed as a hero for tackling and disarming one of the gunmen. He was shot but is recuperating in a hospital.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the shooting as an act of [blank] and pledged to strengthen the country’s already strict gun laws.

The attack was “an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism,” Albanese stated.

Leo also delivered a strong anti-abortion message during the audience with the donors of the Vatican’s Christmas decorations, which he called a sign of “faith and hope.”

The pope noted that the evergreen fir trees donated by various Italian regions “are a symbol of life and remind us of the hope that persists even in winter’s cold.”

He said another symbol of life was the Nativity scene in the Vatican’s audience hall, donated by Costa Rica, which included 28,000 ribbons representing embryos that were not aborted.

“Each of these 28,000 colored ribbons adorning the scene represents a life saved from abortion, thanks to the prayers and support of Catholic organizations for many mothers in need,” the pontiff said.

Leo thanked the artist for the message affirming that “life is protected from the moment of conception.”