Pope Leo XIV urges Gaza ceasefire and two-state solution during Vatican meeting with Israeli President Herzog

Pope Leo XIV hosted Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the Vatican on Thursday, during which he urged a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

According to the Vatican, the Pope called for “a speedy resumption of negotiations so that, with willingness and courageous decisions, as well as the support of the international community, the release of all hostages can be achieved, a permanent ceasefire reached with urgency, the safe entry of humanitarian aid into the most affected areas be facilitated, and full respect for humanitarian law be ensured, together with the legitimate aspirations of the two peoples.”

Pope Leo XIV reportedly said that “a two-state solution is the only way out of the current war.”

France and a growing number of other Western nations have in recent months announced their intention to unilaterally recognize a “Palestinian state” at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York later this month. Israel and the United States have criticized the move, calling it a reward for Hamas' terrorism and the Oct. 7 mass attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 people kidnapped from the south.

During his meeting with the Pope, Herzog called for the release of the remaining 48 Israeli hostages being held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza after nearly two years of war, only 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

“Tomorrow will mark the 700th day since our brothers and sisters were kidnapped – 48 of them are still in Gaza – we must do everything possible to bring them home as soon as possible,” Herzog stated. He also urged the Pope to meet with the families of the hostages.

During his meeting with the Israeli president, the Pope also highlighted “the importance of Christian communities and their commitment, both locally and throughout the Middle East, to human and social development, especially in the areas of education, the promotion of social cohesion, and regional stability.”

In response, Herzog reassured the Pope that the Israeli government is committed to protecting Christian communities living in the Holy Land.

“This is a very important and sensitive issue,” Herzog said following the meeting. “I spoke about the wonderful communities in Israel, about the duty and need to safeguard and protect them, and I reiterated Israel’s clear commitment to freedom of religion, of worship, and of course to the development and protection of the Christian communities in the Holy Land.”

Israel is the only country in the Middle East region where the Christian minority has been thriving and even growing despite regional threats from primarily radical Islam.

The two leaders discussed “the importance of protecting minorities in the Middle East – particularly Christian communities and the Druze community in Syria.”

Israel has close ties with the Druze community and has vowed to protect the Druze minority in neighboring Syria.

Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Herzog said the issue “resonates strongly in the world’s media and certainly affects Israel’s relations with various countries. I described the massive Israeli effort currently underway, which has significantly changed the situation, the facts, and the reality on the ground.”

Herzog thanked Pope Leo XIV for his expressed friendship toward Israel, noting the significance of the meeting.

“The very fact that Pope Leo XIV, who has just entered his office, receives the president of the State of Israel at the Vatican is a very important statement,” the Israeli president stated. “It shows the great importance of the relationship between the Holy See and the State of Israel, and of course with the Jewish people. The issues at hand are extremely sensitive and weighty these very days.”