Pope Leo speaks with president of Israel

Pope Leo and President Herzog during their meeting on 4 September last year.

Source: Vatican Media

A telephone conversation took place this morning, Good Friday 3 April, between Pope Leo XIV and the President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog.

According to a brief statement released by the Holy See Press Office: "This morning His Holiness Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with His Excellency Mr Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel, on the occasion of the Easter holidays.

During the conversation, the need to reopen all possible channels of diplomatic dialogue was reiterated, in order to put an end to the serious ongoing conflict, with a view to achieving a just and lasting peace throughout the Middle East.

The conversation also focused on the importance of protecting the civilian population and promoting respect for international and humanitarian law."

On 4 September last year President Herzog had a private audience with Pope Leo, during which they discussed "the need for an urgent ceasefire and unimpeded aid access for Gaza, as well as the liberation of all remaining hostages and a two-state solution as the only path to peace."
See: Pope meets Israeli president, urges ceasefire and aid for Gaza www.indcatholicnews.com/news/53181

The Pope also had a telephone conversation with President Herzog on Wednesday, 17 December, 2025 after the terror attack on a Jewish community in Australia.
See: Pope condemns anti-semitism in phone call with Israeli President www.indcatholicnews.com/news/53943