Pope Leo meets Israeli president, presses for peace and relief in Gaza
Pope Leo XIV met Sept. 4 with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, calling for swift action to end hostilities in Gaza and ensure urgent humanitarian access to the most afflicted areas.
According to the Holy See Press Office, the meeting — held at the Vatican Apostolic Palace — addressed escalating tensions in the Middle East and reinforced the Vatican’s long-standing support for peace built on justice and dialogue.
The statement described the discussions as “cordial” and noted they focused on the broader political and social instability across the region, “with particular attention to the tragic situation in Gaza.”
The Holy See emphasized the urgency of resolving the humanitarian crisis through concrete steps.
“The hope was expressed for a prompt resumption of negotiations,” the statement said, “in order that, with willingness and courageous decisions, as well as the support of the international community, the freeing of the hostages may be achieved, a permanent ceasefire be reached urgently, the safe entry of humanitarian aid in the most affected areas be facilitated, and full respect for humanitarian law be guaranteed.”
The Holy See reaffirmed its view that “the two-state solution [is] the only way out of the ongoing war,” while addressing the future of the Palestinian people, the situation in the West Bank, and the sensitive status of Jerusalem.
Attention was also given to the role of Christian communities throughout the region. The discussions acknowledged their significant contribution “to human and social development, especially in the spheres of education, the promotion of social cohesion and stability in the region.”
Following the audience with the Holy Father, Herzog also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, along with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
>> Pope Leo calls for release of hostages, end of ‘collective punishment’ in Gaza <<
