Jewish leaders congratulate Archbishop Randazzo on Vatican appointment
Jewish leaders have offered a warm “mazal tov” to Archbishop Anthony Randazzo following his appointment by Pope Leo as Prefect for the Dicastery for Legislative Texts, praising his longstanding support for the Jewish community in Australia.
David Ossip, president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, said the appointment marks a significant milestone, noting it makes Randazzo the most senior Australian to serve at the Vatican since Cardinal George Pell.
Archbishop Randazzo with Jewish and other religious leaders in 2024
“Mazal tov and congratulations to Archbishop Anthony Randazzo,” he said.
He described the archbishop as a trusted friend of the Jewish community, particularly during his time leading the Broken Bay Diocese, and said he had consistently shown warmth, respect and genuine partnership.
He added that the community extends its heartfelt blessings and best wishes as Randazzo prepares to take up the role in Rome.
The role places Archbishop Randazzo at the centre of the Vatican’s legal system, overseeing the interpretation of canon law across the global Church, and reflects decades of experience, including service inside the Vatican and leadership across Oceania.
Senior Jewish figures have echoed those sentiments, pointing to Randazzo’s consistent engagement with the community and his willingness to speak out against antisemitism at a time of rising concern.
Randazzo’s support has extended beyond words. He has met with senior Jewish leaders, including Mr Ossip, Alex Ryvchin and Rabbi Paul Lewin of North Shore Synagogue at interfaith gatherings aimed at strengthening relationships and confronting antisemitism.
His public leadership became especially visible during December 2024, when Christmas and Chanukah coincided amid rising concern about antisemitism in Australia.
Julian Leeser with Archbishop Randazzo (photo supplied)
Julian Leeser, the Federal Member for Berowra as well as Shadow Minister for Education and Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, said the archbishop brought together faith leaders across the Diocese of Broken Bay. He noted that the archbishop also encouraged Christians to place a candle in their window as a sign of solidarity with the Jewish community and devoted his Christmas Eve homily to confronting antisemitism.
The message took on deeper meaning the following day, when the Bondi massacre targeting a Chanukah gathering shocked the nation.
“On that night he led our country by example,” Mr Leeser said.
“The simple act of putting a candle in the window for Chanukah to show solidarity with the Jewish people captured the imagination of our country, and millions of people, from the governor-general down, followed his example.”
Mr Leeser said the archbishop’s actions helped provide reassurance and unity at a time of trauma.
“His local leadership has been amazing, and his moral leadership has been nation-defining,” he said.
Randazzo, who has led the Broken Bay diocese since 2019, will now take up his new role in Rome, becoming the most senior Australian currently serving in the Vatican Curia.
