Israel president Isaac Herzog meets with Pope Leo XIV as Gaza offensive presses on
Posted on: Sep 04, 2025 16:12 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
< warm> capital of italy: alexander pope lion XIV met Thursday with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, as Israel presses ahead with a planned offensive in Gaza and the Vatican urging an immediate ceasefire and return of hostages taken by Hamas.
Herzog’s motorcade arrived at the Apostolic Palace and the president was escorted into the frescoed halls past a phalanx of Swiss Guards.
Herzog’s office said ahead of the meeting that talks were expected to focus on efforts to release hostages, fight antisemitism globally and safeguard Christian communities in the Middle East.
The statement said the visit to the Vatican came “at the invitation of the pope.” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni disputed that, implying Herzog had requested the meeting.
“It is the practice of the Holy See to grant requests for audiences addressed to the pope by heads of state and government; it is not the practice to extend invitations to them,” Bruni said in a statement Tuesday.
Herzog’s role as Israeli president is largely ceremonial. A former Labor party leader, he has called for unity and compromise since taking office.
Hamas took 251 hostages on Oct. 7, 2023, in the attack that also killed about 1,200 people and triggered the war. Most hostages have been released during previous ceasefires or other deals. Israel has rescued eight hostages alive. Of the 50 still in Gaza, Israeli officials believe around 20 are still alive.
The Vatican has tried to maintain its tradition of diplomatic neutrality throughout the war, calling for the return of hostages while denouncing Israel’s attacks against civilians in Gaza.
Pope Francis though went further, labeling Israel’s attacks in Gaza “immoral” and disproportionate and calling for an investigation to determine if they constituted genocide. Israel has denied the genocide charge, says it only targets militants and takes measures to spare civilians. It blames civilian deaths on Hamas because the militants operate in densely populated areas.
Leo, who was elected history’s first American pope in May after Francis died, has continued Francis’ tough line. He has called for the release of hostages but demanded Israel stop the “collective punishment” and forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza.
Last week the 69-year-old former missionary called for a permanent ceasefire, the safe entry of humanitarian aid and for humanitarian law to be fully respected.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.