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26m ago

Pope Leo XIV Meets Israel’s President Herzog at Vatican, Presses on Hostages and Gaza Relief

The Holy See notes the audience was granted at Israel’s request, reflecting its standard practice.

Israel's President Isaac Herzog arrives in the St. Damasus courtyard at The Vatican on his way to a private audience with Pope Leo XIV, Thursday, Sep. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Pope Leo XIV meets Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the Vatican, September 4, 2025. Vatican Media/Simone Risoluti/­Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY.
An Israeli flag is set up ahead of Israel's President Isaac Herzog arrival in the St. Damasus courtyard at The Vatican on his way to a private audience with Pope Leo XIV, Thursday, Sep. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Pope Leo XIV meets Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the Vatican, September 4, 2025. Vatican Media/Simone Risoluti/­Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY.

Overview

  • Pope Leo XIV received Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the Apostolic Palace on Thursday as Israel presses ahead with a planned Gaza offensive.
  • Herzog’s office said the talks centered on efforts to free hostages, counter antisemitism globally, and safeguard Christian communities in the Middle East.
  • Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni clarified that the Holy See grants requests for papal audiences and does not issue invitations to heads of state.
  • The pope has called for a permanent ceasefire, full humanitarian access, adherence to humanitarian law, and an end to collective punishment and forced displacement in Gaza.
  • Israeli officials say about 50 hostages remain in Gaza with roughly 20 believed alive, while the Palestinian ambassador to the Holy See voiced hope for papal progress and encouraged a potential visit to Gaza.