Pope Leo XIV received Israeli President, Isaac Herzog, at the Vatican, using the occasion to highlight the ongoing Gaza conflict and press for a swift return to ceasefire talks.
Following his private audience with the pontiff, Herzog also conferred with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Holy See.
Reaffirming its long-standing position, the Vatican stressed that a two-state solution, establishing an independent Palestinian state living peacefully alongside Israel, remains the only viable path to ending the conflict. Such an arrangement, it said, would secure a future for the Palestinian people.
Despite this, the Israeli government has consistently rejected the two-state framework, arguing that it poses an existential risk to the nation.
Herzog later expressed his gratitude on social media, writing on X, “Above all else, Israel is striving in every possible way to bring home the hostages held in brutal captivity by Hamas. Israel yearns for a day when the peoples of the Middle East, the Children of Abraham will live together in peace, partnership, and hope. The Pope’s inspiration and leadership in the struggle against hatred and violence, and in promoting peace around the world, is valued and vital. I look forward to deepening our cooperation for a better future of justice and compassion.”
Ties between Israel and the Vatican had cooled during the tenure of Pope Francis, who often pressed for the release of Israeli hostages and met with their families, while also sharply criticising Israeli military operations in Gaza.
Since taking office, Pope Leo has repeatedly appealed for an immediate ceasefire in the territory.
He has consistently called for reconciliation through dialogue and has placed particular emphasis on the suffering endured by children in the war-torn region.
