Israeli President Herzog Appeals to Pope Leo XIV on Hostage Crisis

Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Thursday, calling on the pontiff to use his moral authority to help secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7.

“Tomorrow marks the 700th day since our brothers and sisters were kidnapped, 48 of whom are still in Gaza,” Herzog said during their private audience. “We must do everything to return them as quickly as possible.”

Herzog also met with top Vatican officials, including Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, to press for greater international engagement and to request direct meetings between Church leaders and the families of those held hostage.

The visit comes amid stalled negotiations for a comprehensive deal to end the war and release the remaining Israeli captives. Herzog used the opportunity to stress the urgent humanitarian risk, particularly for women and elderly hostages.

In his discussions, Herzog also emphasized Israel’s commitment to protecting Christian communities in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, as well as broader religious freedom in the region. He highlighted the plight of minorities, including the embattled Druze community in Syria’s Sweida province.

“We talked about the Christian denominations and Christian communities in the Middle East, in Judea and Samaria, in Gaza, and of course in the State of Israel a very important and sensitive issue,” he said. “I reiterated Israel’s clear commitment to freedom of religion and the development and protection of Christian communities in the Holy Land.”

Pope Leo XIV, who earlier this summer decried an Israeli strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church, reportedly reiterated humanitarian concerns about the war. Herzog acknowledged the Vatican’s position but said Israel has made “enormous efforts” to improve conditions on the ground.

The two leaders also discussed the global rise in antisemitism, with Herzog urging firm, united resistance. “The fight against antisemitism must be uncompromising,” he said.

Herzog concluded his visit with a tour of the Vatican Archives and Library and formally invited the pope to visit Israel.

“The very fact that Pope Leo XIV, who has just entered upon his term of office, receives the President of the State of Israel in his office at the Vatican is a very important statement,” Herzog said. “It shows the great importance of the relationship between the Holy See and the State of Israel and, of course, the Jewish people.”

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