Pope Leo XIV has received the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, at the Vatican in the latest round of high-level meetings aimed at addressing the worsening conflict in the Middle East.
Mr Herzog was welcomed in audience by the Holy Father on 4 September in the Apostolic Palace, before holding further talks with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations.
According to a communiqué from the Holy See Press Office, discussions were held in “a cordial atmosphere” and focused on the political and social situation in the Middle East, where wars continue to exact a heavy toll. Particular attention was paid to the crisis in Gaza, with both sides stressing the urgency of a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid into the hardest-hit areas.
