Pope Leo Calls for a Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza During Meeting with Israeli President

In a move that carries humanitarian and political implications, Pope Leo XIV of the Vatican discussed "the tragic situation in Gaza" today, Thursday, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, calling for a permanent ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, according to an official statement issued by the Vatican.

The Pope emphasized the Holy See's support for the two-state solution as a pathway to end the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stressing the need to urgently resume negotiations, facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the most affected areas, and ensure respect for international humanitarian law.

The Israeli president, for his part, expressed his gratitude to the Pope through a post on the "X" platform, describing the meeting as characterized by a "warm welcome" and calling on religious leaders to unite in demanding the release of hostages as a first step towards a more stable future for the region.

The statement issued by the Vatican was longer than usual, reflecting the sensitivity of the issue and its details, especially since Pope Leo, who was elected last May to succeed Pope Francis, adopts a more cautious tone towards the Israeli military campaign compared to his predecessor, who did not hesitate to publicly criticize Israel and even previously suggested studying the possibility of it committing genocide against the Palestinians.

These statements come in the context of Pope Leo's increasing calls for an end to the war, as he issued a "strong appeal" during his weekly sermon last week, demanding an end to the violence in Gaza, in a stance that reflects a gradual shift in the Vatican's rhetoric towards the crisis.