The head of the Roman Catholic Church and the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV, on Thursday reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the Vatican.
During a private audience, Pope Leo XIV and Isaac Herzog discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered access for aid to Gaza, as well as the release of all remaining hostages, Vatican News reported, citing an official statement from the Vatican Press Office.
They also discussed the two-state solution, while discussions on the political and social situation in the Middle East focused in particular on the “tragic situation in Gaza.”
The pope hopes for a lasting ceasefire, the safe arrival of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable areas, and full respect for humanitarian law.
Pope Leo also reiterated his position that a two-state solution is the only way out of the current war.
They also discussed the situation in the occupied West Bank and the important issue of the city of Jerusalem.
The Vatican statement noted that the Pope and Herzog agreed on the historical value of the relationship between the Vatican and Israel.
Israel has killed more than 63,000 people in Gaza since October 2023, damaged or destroyed most of the buildings in the enclave and forced many to migrate. The Global Hunger Monitor warns that parts of the enclave are now suffering from a man-made famine.
