In a significant diplomatic development, Pope Leo engaged in his first official telephone conversation with the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmud Abbas, on Monday.
The discussion centered on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the growing unrest in the West Bank, the Vatican disclosed in a statement.
This marks the initial direct communication between the pontiff and Abbas since Pope Leo began his papacy. The Vatican emphasized that the Pope used the opportunity to reiterate a strong plea for adherence to international humanitarian standards.
He specifically highlighted the necessity of safeguarding non-combatants and religious landmarks, condemning any form of indiscriminate violence or forced displacement of residents.
According to the official Vatican note, “The Holy Father repeated his appeal for international humanitarian law to be fully respected, emphasising in particular the obligation to protect civilians and sacred places, the prohibition of the indiscriminate use of force and of the forced transfer of the population.”
Pope Leo further stressed the importance of extending relief efforts to those bearing the brunt of the war. He noted the “urgent need to provide assistance to those most vulnerable to the consequences of the conflict and to allow the adequate entry of humanitarian aid,” as outlined in the statement.
This outreach to Abbas came just three days after Pope Leo spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following an Israeli military strike that tragically hit Gaza’s only Catholic church, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. The pontiff has since intensified his appeals for peace and justice.
On Sunday, during an address at the Vatican, Pope Leo openly denounced what he referred to as the “barbarity” of the war in Gaza and once more urged for a diplomatic and peaceful end to the conflict.
The Vatican has consistently advocated for a two-state resolution as a viable path to lasting peace. It formally acknowledged the State of Palestine in 2015 through a bilateral agreement, becoming one of the first European states to do so officially.
This position was symbolically reinforced in 2014 when then-Pope Francis hosted a historic gathering in the Vatican Gardens, where President Abbas and the late Israeli President Shimon Peres joined him to plant an olive tree—a traditional emblem of peace.
Pope Leo’s recent engagement with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders demonstrates the Vatican’s renewed commitment to promoting dialogue and de-escalation in one of the world’s most volatile regions. As the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the Holy See’s voice remains a powerful moral appeal for restraint, compassion, and peace.
What you should know
Pope Leo, the current head of the Roman Catholic Church, is actively stepping into the diplomatic space to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
His first official call with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas highlights the Vatican’s long-standing commitment to peace, the protection of civilians, and its endorsement of a two-state solution.
