Overview

• Herzog will travel to the Vatican on Thursday at the pope’s invitation for meetings with Pope Leo XIV and Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
• The Israeli presidency says the agenda centers on securing the release of hostages, combating global antisemitism, and safeguarding Christian communities in the Middle East.
• Herzog will tour the Vatican Archives and Library following the diplomatic meetings before returning to Israel the same day.
• Pope Leo has recently issued a strong appeal for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and expanded humanitarian aid.
• The invitation is notable because the Holy See usually grants audiences upon request rather than inviting heads of state, as Israeli operations in Gaza continue with reports of attacks affecting Gaza City’s remaining Christian areas.