Pope Leo XIV spoke yesterday by phone with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas about the current conflict in Gaza and the escalation of violence in the West Bank, according to a statement from the Holy See’s Press Office.
The Vatican issued a statement saying that during the conversation, the Pope reiterated a firm appeal for the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law.
“The Holy Father reiterated his appeal for full respect of international humanitarian law, particularly emphasizing the obligation to protect civilians and holy sites, the prohibition of indiscriminate use of force, and the forced displacement of the population,” the statement reads.
Amid what the Vatican described as a “tragic humanitarian situation,” the Pope emphasized the urgency of delivering aid to affected civilians.
“The urgent need to provide assistance to the most vulnerable in the conflict and to ensure adequate access to humanitarian aid was highlighted,” the statement says.
The Pope and Abbas also marked a diplomatic anniversary between the Holy See and the State of Palestine. The Pope recalled the tenth anniversary of the Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine, signed on June 26th, 2015, which entered into force on January 2nd, 2016.
