On Thursday, September 4, 2025, the Vatican became the center of intense international diplomacy as Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with Pope Leo XIV, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The meeting, held in the Apostolic Palace in Rome, drew global attention as both leaders confronted the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the fate of Israeli hostages, and the broader quest for peace in the Middle East.
Arriving at the Vatican around 10 a.m. under tight security, Herzog was received not only by Pope Leo XIV but also by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. According to a detailed communiqué released by the Holy See’s Press Office later that day, the discussions delved deeply into the “many conflicts in the Middle East,” with a particular focus on the tragic situation unfolding in Gaza. The Vatican’s statement was unusually comprehensive, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the issues at hand.
During the private audience, Pope Leo XIV did not mince words. As reported by AP and confirmed by the Holy See, he told Herzog that a two-state solution was “the only way out of the ongoing war.” The Pope described the situation in Gaza as “tragic,” underscoring the dire conditions faced by Palestinians and the spiraling violence that has gripped the region. The Vatican called unequivocally for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the immediate entry of humanitarian aid to famine-stricken Palestinians. As the statement put it, there was a pressing need for “courageous decisions” and international support to secure these outcomes.
The Holy See’s communiqué emphasized the importance of “full respect” for international humanitarian law. The talks covered not only Gaza but also the West Bank, the “important” question of Jerusalem, and the critical role of Christian communities in the Middle East. The Vatican voiced hope for a “rapid resumption of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians,” insisting that only through diplomacy and mutual recognition could peace and stability be achieved.
Herzog, for his part, responded with a message of gratitude and commitment. On the social media platform X, he thanked Pope Leo XIV for his “warm welcome” and for his leadership in promoting peace. Herzog reiterated Israel’s dedication to religious freedom, stating, “Israel longs for the day when the peoples of the Middle East—the children of Abraham—will live together in peace, partnership, and hope.” He went on to declare that the release of Israeli hostages was “the first essential step toward a better future for the entire region,” and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to the “security and well-being” of Christians in the Holy Land and throughout the region.
The president’s office later clarified that Herzog’s visit to the Vatican had three primary objectives: to secure the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, to combat the rising tide of global antisemitism, and to safeguard Christian communities across the Middle East. Herzog’s itinerary also included a scheduled visit to the Vatican Library and Archives, though his trip was a brief one-day affair, with the Israeli leader flying in and out of Rome the same day.
The context of this meeting is especially poignant given recent events. In July 2025, Pope Leo XIV had publicly expressed “deep sorrow” after an Israeli strike on Gaza’s only Catholic parish resulted in the deaths of three people and left several others wounded, including the parish pastor, Fr. Gabriel Romanelli. In the aftermath, the Pope personally phoned both Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging the release of hostages and an end to what he termed the “barbarity of war.”
While Herzog holds a largely ceremonial role in Israel, he has not shied away from expressing his views on the conflict—sometimes in contrast to Prime Minister Netanyahu. In March 2025, Herzog voiced his deep concern over Israel’s renewed offensive in Gaza, stating he was “deeply troubled” by the escalation. However, during a visit to the Strip in July, he maintained that Israeli military operations were conducted “in accordance with international law” and attributed disruptions in humanitarian aid to actions by Hamas and its supporters.
The Vatican’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long been rooted in calls for dialogue, reconciliation, and respect for human dignity. Thursday’s meeting reinforced this approach, with the Holy See urging all parties to agree “as a matter of urgency” to a permanent ceasefire and to enable humanitarian access for those suffering in Gaza. The Vatican also stressed the need for international actors to support peace efforts, recognizing that the road to a two-state solution would require not just local, but global, commitment and resolve.
The issue of Jerusalem—a city sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike—was also on the agenda. Both sides acknowledged the “important” question of the city’s status and the broader significance of ensuring that Christian communities can continue to thrive in the region. Herzog assured the Pope that Israel is “proud of its Christian community” and remains determined to protect their rights and safety.
The aftermath of the meeting saw both leaders reaffirming their respective positions. Pope Leo XIV, through his diplomats and public statements, continued to champion the cause of peace, humanitarian relief, and a negotiated settlement based on mutual recognition and coexistence. Herzog, meanwhile, used the occasion to highlight Israel’s commitment to religious freedom and to seek international support for the release of hostages and the fight against antisemitism.
Observers noted that the Vatican’s unusually detailed statement signaled a heightened sense of urgency and engagement from the Holy See. By focusing on the immediate needs in Gaza—ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and hostages—while also insisting on the longer-term goal of a two-state solution, the Vatican positioned itself as both a moral voice and a pragmatic actor in the search for peace.
As the conflict in Gaza continues to claim lives and deepen divisions, Thursday’s meeting at the Vatican served as a reminder that, even amid war and suffering, there are leaders and institutions striving to keep the door to dialogue open. Whether these efforts will bear fruit remains uncertain, but for a day at least, the call for peace echoed from Rome to Jerusalem and beyond, carrying with it a glimmer of hope for a region weary of conflict and loss.
