September 5, 2025 | 10:36 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pope Leo XIV reiterated his call for a ceasefire in Gaza during his meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican on Thursday, according to a statement quoted by Anadolu.
In a closed-door audience, Pope Leo XIV and Isaac Herzog discussed the urgent need for a ceasefire and unhindered access to aid in Gaza, as well as the release of all remaining hostages, as reported by Vatican News, citing an official statement from the Vatican Press Office.
They also discussed the two-state solution, considering the discussions on the political and social situation in the Middle East, with a specific focus on the "tragic situation in Gaza."
Pope Leo XIV expressed hope for a permanent ceasefire, safe and unhindered humanitarian aid access to the most affected areas, and full respect for international law, according to the statement.
Pope Leo XIV further reiterated his view that "a two-state solution is the only way out of the current war."
They also addressed the situation in the occupied West Bank and the "important question of the city of Jerusalem."
The Vatican statement noted that both parties agreed on the "historical value" of the relationship between the Vatican and Israel.
The President of Israel then met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher.
Israel has killed more than 64,000 people in Gaza since October 2023, devastating much of the buildings in the enclave and displacing many.
A global hunger monitoring agency stated that some parts of the enclave are currently undergoing man-made famine.
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