Israeli President Isaac Herzog met Pope Leo XIV, urging urgent Vatican intervention for Hamas-held hostages while vowing Israel’s commitment to religious freedom and peace in the Middle East.
In a high-profile visit to the Vatican on Thursday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog appealed directly to Pope Leo XIV to intensify global efforts for the release of the 48 hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas terrorists—nearly 700 days after their abduction.
Herzog, who also conferred with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, highlighted the “grave and immediate danger” facing the captives. He urged the pontiff to meet personally with the hostages’ families, describing their unrelenting agony and Israel’s determination to bring them home.
The talks further addressed the alarming rise in global antisemitism, the plight of minority communities in the Middle East—including Christians and Druze in Syria—and the welfare of Christian communities in Israel, Judea, Samaria, and Gaza. Vatican officials raised humanitarian concerns regarding Gaza, while both sides explored avenues for interfaith dialogue and regional cooperation.
After touring the Vatican Archives and Library, Herzog expressed gratitude for the Pope’s hospitality: “I am deeply thankful to Pope Leo XIV for the warm welcome today at the Vatican.”
On the hostage crisis, Herzog was uncompromising: “Above all else, Israel is striving in every possible way to bring home the hostages held in brutal captivity by Hamas. Israel yearns for the day when the peoples of the Middle East—the Children of Abraham—will live together in peace, partnership, and hope.”
Appealing to faith leaders worldwide, Herzog declared: “All leaders of faith and goodwill must unite in calling for the immediate release of the hostages. This is the essential first step toward a better future for our region.”
He reaffirmed Israel’s enduring commitment to religious liberty and safeguarding Christian communities: “Israel is proud of its Christian community and determined to ensure the safety and well-being of Christians in the Holy Land and across the Middle East.”
Closing his Vatican visit, Herzog hailed the Pope’s moral leadership: “The Pope’s inspiration in the struggle against hatred and violence, and in promoting peace across the globe, is valued and vital. I look forward to strengthening our cooperation for a future of justice and compassion.”
