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Pope Leo brings up 'tragic Gaza situation' during meeting with Israeli President

The Vatican reported that Pope Leo, during a Thursday meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, discussed the "tragic Gaza situation" and called for an end to the violence in the Palestinian enclave.

The statement also said that the pontiff called for the release the remaining hostages, held by the Palestinian militant Hamas. It also reiterated Vatican support for a solution of two states to the long-running Israel-Palestinian Conflict.

The statement said that "a prompt resumption" of negotiations would be welcomed to ensure the release of hostages and a permanent ceasefire. It also hoped to facilitate the safe entry into affected areas of humanitarian aid, as well as the full respect of humanitarian law.

Herzog thanked Leo in a previous post on X for the meeting that took place on Thursday, and he said he received a warm welcome at the Vatican.

The president said, "Religious leaders as well as all those who are committed to peace must unite in demanding the immediate release and return of the hostages. This is a crucial first step towards a better future across the region."

The Vatican has not released any further information about the meeting or how long Leo Herzog and Leo spent together.

The Vatican released pictures of the leaders posing together in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace. In one photo, they are posed side-by-side without smiling.

Leo was elected by cardinals around the world in May to succeed the late Pope Francis. In the past, Leo has spoken with a more cautious voice than Francis about Israel's campaign of military aggression in Gaza.

Francis, the leader of the Church for twelve years, was a frequent critic Israel. He proposed a study to determine whether Israel is committing genocide on the Palestinians, which was met with harsh criticism by Israeli officials.

Leo recently increased his calls for an end to the Gaza war. He made a "strong call" to end the war in Gaza during his weekly audience last week.

The Vatican's statement on Thursday was longer than usual, compared to other statements that are usually only a few sentences long and don't give any specifics about what the pope discussed with foreign leaders. (Reporting and editing by Gianluca Smeraro, Keith Weir and Joshua McElwee)

(source: Reuters)