ROME (AP) - On Thursday, Pope Leo XIV held a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog amid ongoing tensions related to a military offensive in Gaza. As Israel intensifies its offensive, the Vatican is calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return of hostages taken by Hamas during their attacks. The meeting marks a significant diplomatic engagement as the situation in the region continues to escalate.
Herzog arrived at the Apostolic Palace in a motorcade, escorted past the Swiss Guards into the frescoed halls of the Vatican. In a statement released prior to the meeting, Herzog's office indicated that discussions would center on efforts to retrieve hostages, combat global antisemitism, and ensure the protection of Christian communities in the Middle East.
The nature of the visit has sparked some contention; Herzog's office stated that the visit was at the pope's invitation, while Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni countered this assertion. Bruni noted that it is the established practice of the Holy See to accommodate requests for audiences from heads of state and government, rather than extending invitations.
As a largely ceremonial figure, Herzog has emphasized unity and compromise since assuming the presidency. He is navigating a complex situation where Hamas captured 251 hostages during an attack on October 7, 2023, which also resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and precipitated a broader conflict. Historically, many hostages have been released in the context of ceasefire agreements, but Israeli officials believe around 20 of the remaining hostages in Gaza may still be alive.
Throughout the ongoing conflict, the Vatican has upheld a diplomatic stance of neutrality. It has consistently called for the safe return of hostages while denouncing Israeli military actions that impact civilians in Gaza. Previously, Pope Francis had taken a stronger stance, characterizing Israel's military actions as "immoral" and disproportionate, even suggesting the need for an inquiry into potential genocide. Israel has firmly denied these allegations, maintaining that its military operations specifically target militants and that it takes precautions to avoid civilian casualties, attributing civilian deaths to Hamas’s use of densely populated areas.
Pope Leo XIV, who became the first American pope in history after the passing of Pope Francis in May, has maintained a similar tough line. He has reiterated calls for the release of hostages, decried what he sees as collective punishment and forced displacement of Palestinians, and advocated for a permanent ceasefire along with the safe passage of humanitarian aid into the region. His recent comments reflect a deep concern for the humanitarian crisis unfolding as the conflict continues.
The meeting between Pope Leo XIV and President Herzog thus encompasses not only immediate humanitarian concerns but also broader socio-political issues at play in the Middle East. As the Vatican seeks to maintain its diplomatic role during these tumultuous times, the outcomes of such high-level discussions will be closely watched by international observers and stakeholders alike.
Natalie Melzer contributed from Jerusalem.
