Pope Leo XIV talks to visitors and pilgrims during his weekly general audience in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican Aug. 27, 2025. He ended the audience with a strong appeal for an end to the fighting in Gaza. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez) While the Gaza war rages on, diplomatic efforts are being made to find ways to achieve peace. The Vatican is playing an important role in these endeavours.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog will be travelling to the Vatican on Thursday to visit Pope Leo XIV. The focus of the visit “at the Pope’s invitation” will be efforts to retrieve Israeli hostages held by the terrorist organisation Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the presidential office announced on Tuesday. Other topics include the global fight against anti-Semitism and the protection of Christian communities in the Middle East.
According to the information provided, Herzog also wants to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s number two, and then visit the Vatican archives and library. The Israeli head of state had already attended the inauguration of the new Pope in St Peter’s Square in May.