Pope tells Israeli president two-state solution is the ‘only way’ in Holy Land
Pope Leo XIV receiving President of Israel Isaac Herzog at the Vatican this morning.
Michael Kelly
Pope Leo XIV has pleaded for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of the Israeli hostages and a speedy flow of humanitarian aid for those suffering in the territory. He also reiterated the Holy See’s support for the two-state solution in the Holy Land, an Israeli and Palestinian state side-by-side.
Meeting with Israeli president Isaac Herzog at the Vatican this morning (Thursday), Pope Leo also raised the difficulties facing the Christian community in the West Bank, and the importance of respecting Jerusalem as a shared city holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims.
A Vatican communique after the meeting described the talks as “cordial” saying the Pontiff discussed with Mr Herzog the political and social situation in the Middle East, “where numerous conflicts persist, with particular attention given to the tragic situation in Gaza”.
The Vatican added that hope was expressed 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”.
The Israeli president subsequently met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.
The statement added that there were talks about how to ensure a future for the Palestinian people and about peace and stability in the region. It said the Holy See reiterated its view that "a two-state solution is the only way out of the current war”.
The Vatican added that “as the discussions continued, there was agreement on the historic value of relations between the Holy See and Israel”, and several issues regarding relations between state authorities and the local Church were also addressed, with particular attention to 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 the stability of the region.
Reference was also made to what is happening in the West Bank and to the “important question of the city of Jerusalem”. In recent months, isolated Christian communities in the West Bank have faced attacks by Jewish extremists. At the same time, Church leaders have warned of repeated harassment of believers in Jerusalem with some extremists spitting on priests and religious.
In a statement after the audience, President Herzog said he was “deeply thankful” to the Pope for the meeting.
He said that “Israel is proud of its Christian community and dedicated to ensuring the security and wellbeing of Christian communities in the Holy Land and throughout the Middle East”.
“The Pope’s inspiration and leadership in the struggle against hatred and violence, and in promoting peace around the world, is valued and vital. I look forward to deepening our cooperation for a better future of justice and compassion,” Mr Herzog said.