World leaders share condolences after ‘senseless tragedy’ at Bondi
King Charles, the Pope and world leaders including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have expressed sorrow over the ‘abhorrent violence’ at Bondi Junction that claimed six Australians’ lives.
King Charles, the Pope and world leaders including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have expressed their sorrow over the “abhorrent violence” at Bondi Junction.
The attack was one of Australia’s deadliest mass killings in over a decade and sparked an outpouring of sympathy from around the globe on Sunday.
Pope Francis expressed his condolences following the “senseless tragedy” in Bondi, declaring that he was “deeply saddened” to hear of the deaths of six people in a stabbing rampage carried out by Queensland man Joel Cauchi.
In a message of support to Sydney Catholic Archbishop Anthony Fisher from Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See voiced its condolences to the Sydney residents affected by the horrific attack.
“His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the violent attack in Sydney, and he sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all affected by this senseless tragedy, especially those who are now mourning the loss of a loved one,” the statement said.
“He likewise offers his prayers for the dead, the injured, as well as the first responders, and invokes upon the nation the divine blessings of consolidation and strength.”
Archbishop Fisher said the attack had prompted “universal grief and horror”, particularly over the stabbing of an infant and killing of her mother.
“As well as celebration of the courage of the baby’s mother, the policewoman and other bystanders, who reflect upon our communities profound commitment to the value of every human life,” he said.
King Charles said he and Queen Camilla were reeling from the news of the brutal killing, praising the emergency responders on the scene for their bravery.
“My wife and I were utterly shocked and horrified to hear of the tragic stabbing incident in Bondi,” he said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed during such a senseless attack.”
Prince William and Princess Catherine also said they were “shocked and saddened” by the events on Saturday.
Mr Sunak said the attack was “truly devastating”, declaring that the victims were in the “thoughts and prayers of the British people”.
“My heart goes out to those affected by this abhorrent act of violence, and I pray for the recovery of those left injured and traumatised today,” the UK Prime Minister posted on X.
Anthony Albanese said he had received a message from US President Joe Biden overnight on Saturday and thanked world leaders for their support.
The Prime Minister said there was “no question” the violence could have been worse without Australia’s strict gun-control laws, which were introduced by the Howard government after the Port Arthur massacre in which 35 people were killed and 23 wounded in April 1996.
Kiwi Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said New Zealanders considered Australians to be “family” and were reeling following news of the attack, while new Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said he would reach out to Mr Albanese personally.
The US ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy, said the hearts of Americans went out to the families and friends of those who were lost.
More Coverage
Kerr’s trashy outburst should’ve been the end of the story. Sadly, it’s not
Two women. Two court cases. Each much ado about nothing. But there is a bigger tale here about a plodding prime minister who took too long to intervene.
Trump’s Gaza gambit is brazen and naive
Donald Trump has shown the gulf between his position and Anthony Albanese’s, wedging Labor on Palestine. But his plan to ‘own’ Gaza won’t work.