POPE LEO TODAY called for Israel to “ensure a future for the Palestinian people” during a meeting at the Vatican with Israel’s president Isaac Herzog.

Leo also called for an “urgent” ceasefire and the safe entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza during a meeting with Israel president Isaac Herzog at the Vatican today.

According to a statement issued by the Vatican, the talks were “cordial” and discussed the “political and social situation in the Middle East, where numerous conflicts persist”.

The Vatican added that “particular attention is given to the tragic situation in Gaza”.

The statement also said that Leo expressed hope for a “speedy resumption of negotiations” in order to release the hostages in Gaza, to “urgently” reach a permanent ceasefire, and to allow for the safe entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The Pope also urged that the “full respect for humanitarian law be ensured”.

Meanwhile, the Vatican statement added that talks needed to “ensure a future for the Palestinian people”.

The Vatican statement said that the Pope reiterated the Church’s view that “a two-state solution is the only way out of the current war”.

Leo also discussed recent incidents in the West Bank, according to the statement.

Israel president Isaac Herzog with Pope Leo today at the Vatican Vatican Media Vatican Media

The statement from the Vatican was notably longer than usual for statements about the pope’s meeting with foreign leaders, which typically only offer only a few lines of information and do not give specific details about the topics discussed.

Meanwhile, Herzog said after the meeting that he is “deeply thankful” to the Pope for the “warm welcome at the Vatican”.

He said Israel is “striving in every possible way to bring home the hostages held in brutal captivity by Hamas”.

“All leaders of faith and goodwill must stand united in calling for the immediate release of the hostages as the first and essential step toward a better future for the entire region,” Herzog added.

“The Pope’s inspiration and leadership in the struggle against hatred and violence, and in promoting peace around the world, is valued and vital,” said Herzog.

“I look forward to deepening our cooperation for a better future of justice and compassion.”

Prior to the meeting, Israel had claimed that Leo invited Herzog for a meeting.

However, this was denied by the Vatican, with a spokesperson telling reporters that the ordinary practice is that popes do not invite Heads of State to visit.

Instead, requests for a papal audience are made by Heads of State and governments and it is the Vatican’s practice to “accede to requests for an audience”.