Pope Leo XIV received Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, at the Vatican on Thursday, in an international context marked by the Israeli offensive in Gaza.

The meeting took place at the Apostolic Palace shortly before 10:00 a.m. local time and also included the presence of the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. 

According to the Israeli Presidency, the discussions focused on efforts to secure the release of hostages, combat global antisemitism, and protect Christian communities in the Middle East, along with other important political matters. 

This was the first closed-door meeting between Herzog, 64, who has been President of Israel since 2021, and Pope Leo XIV, although both had previously attended the Mass marking the start of the Pontificate in May at the Vatican. 

Israel and the response to the meeting

The President of Israel emphasized the need for unity among leaders of all religions and called for the immediate release of hostages as a critical step toward a better future in the region.

“Israel is pursuing all possible avenues to bring back hostages held in brutal captivity by Hamas. We long for a day when the peoples of the Middle East—the Children of Abraham—can live together in peace, cooperation, and hope,” Herzog stated. 

He also highlighted Israel’s commitment to religious freedom and the protection of all faith communities, with special attention to Christians in the Holy Land and across the Middle East.

Herzog praised the Pope’s leadership and inspiration in combating hate and violence, calling it “valuable and essential,” and expressed his intention to deepen cooperation between Israel and the Vatican for “a better future based on justice and compassion.” 

The meeting takes place amid heightened tensions in the region and reflects international attention on humanitarian and diplomatic efforts related to the conflict in Gaza.

It also highlights growing collaboration between Israel and the Vatican in protecting religious communities and providing humanitarian mediation, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and interfaith dialogue during a crisis.