Pope Leo XIV meets Israeli president as Israel pushes ahead with Gaza genocide

Pope Leo XIV met Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the Vatican on Thursday as Israel pushes ahead with plans to seize Gaza City. The pope has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of captives, and an end to what he has called as Israel’s “collective punishment” of Palestinians.

Herzog’s motorcade arrived at the Apostolic Palace, where he was escorted past Swiss guards to meet the pontiff. His office said the discussions would centre on securing the release of captives, tackling global anti-Semitism, and protecting Christian communities in the Middle East.

The Vatican, however, clarified that Herzog himself had requested the meeting, rejecting claims that the pope extended an invitation. “It is the practice of the Holy See to grant requests for audiences… it is not the practice to extend invitations,” said spokesman Matteo Bruni.

The late Pope Francis had labelled Israel’s actions in Gaza “immoral” and disproportionate, demanding an investigation into whether they amount to genocide.