Amid the rising escalation of military conflict in the Middle East, Pope Leo XIV received a phone call from the president of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas.
In a statement, the Holy See outlined the main purpose of the telephone conversation between the two leaders.
During the conversation, the Holy Father reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to achieving peace through political and diplomatic dialogue, as well as through full respect for international law.
In addition to discussing the implications of a conflict of this magnitude in the Middle East, they also spoke about the suffering and living conditions of the Palestinian people.
This is the first time the two leaders have been in contact since Abbas’ visit to the Vatican on November 6, 2025—that was when Pope Leo XIV received him at the Apostolic Palace on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the official recognition of diplomatic relations. During that meeting, the Vatican also took the opportunity to call for providing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in Gaza.
Pope Leo XIV recently raised his tone during the Angelus on March 15, calling on all authorities involved in the war to agree to an immediate ceasefire.
POPE LEO XIV
Let the hostilities cease! Let paths of dialogue be resumed!
The situation in Palestine remains one of the most delicate within this broader conflict. On the ground, the priority continues to be civilian access to humanitarian aid, the protection of civilians, and the search for a long-term solution for peace.
