Pope Leo discussed the “tragic situation in Gaza” during a meeting yesterday with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and called for a permanent ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave, the Vatican said.
The pontiff also called for the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas, the statement said, and reiterated the Vatican’s support for a two-state solution to the decades-long Israel-Palestinian conflict.
“A prompt resumption of negotiations was hoped for ... to secure the release of all hostages, urgently achieve a permanent ceasefire, facilitate the safe entry of humanitarian aid into the most affected areas, and ensure full respect for humanitarian law,” said the statement.
Herzog had earlier thanked Leo for the meeting in a post on X, and said he had received a warm welcome at the Vatican.
“Religious leaders and all who choose the path of peace must stand together in calling for the immediate release of the hostages as a first and essential step towards a better future for the entire region,” he said.
The Vatican released photos of the leaders greeting each other in the Vatican’s apostolic palace but did not say how long they spent together.
In one image, the two stand posing side-by-side, with neither smiling.
Pope Leo, elected by the world’s cardinals in May to replace the late Pope Francis, has in the past taken a more cautious tone than Francis when speaking about Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Francis, who had led the Church for 12 years, had become a frequent critic of Israel.
He suggested a study into whether Israel was committing genocide against the Palestinian people, which sparked sharp criticism from Israeli officials.
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