Vatican City – In his first official engagement with Palestinian leadership, Pope Leo XIV held a telephone conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, expressing deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gazaand calling for the protection of civilians.
The Vatican confirmed that the conversation took place on Monday, marking the Pope’s first direct contact with President Abbas since assuming the papacy earlier this year. During the call, Pope Leo stressed the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law, particularly emphasizing the protection of civilians, places of worship, and medical facilities.
He also condemned the use of indiscriminate force and forced displacement, reiterating his call for unhindered humanitarian aid to reach those affected in Gaza.
The phone call comes days after Pope Leo condemned a deadly Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s only Catholic church compound, an attack that resulted in multiple civilian casualties. He also previously spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging restraint and the prioritization of civilian lives.
In his Sunday Angelus address, the Pope had described the situation in Gaza as an act of “barbarity”, urging international actors to facilitate peace efforts.
The Vatican also highlighted the 10th anniversary of its comprehensive agreement with the State of Palestine, signed in 2015. The agreement formalized diplomatic relations and reiterated the Vatican’s long-standing support for a two-state solution.
Pope Leo’s engagement signals a continued effort by the Holy See to play a moral and diplomatic role in seeking peace and humanitarian relief amid escalating conflict in the Middle East.
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