Pope Leo XIV held a phone call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog this Good Friday, focusing on the ongoing war with Iran. During the conversation, the pontiff emphasized the importance of “reopening all possible channels of diplomatic dialogue” to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East, according to the Vatican Press Office. The Holy See also highlighted the need to “protect the civilian population” and respect international law in the context of the conflict.
This exchange occurred days after Israeli police prevented the celebration of Palm Sunday Mass at the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, an event that has heightened tensions in the region. Herzog, for his part, expressed concern over the threat posed by Iran and its allies, such as Hezbollah, to the safety of citizens in the area. In his message, he underscored that any offensive from Tehran affects the security of sacred sites in Jerusalem, creating an environment of instability for various faith communities.
This dialogue takes place at a critical moment, as military operations continue to impact infrastructure in the region, as evidenced by recent attacks in Kuwait. For more details on the situation in the Middle East, you can consult our coverage of the conflict in this note.
