Pope Leo XIV and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas held their first in-person meeting on Thursday. The leaders convened to discuss the pressing need to deliver aid to civilians in Gaza. Furthermore, they addressed the necessity of pursuing a two-state solution to finally end the conflict in the region.
The meeting lasted approximately one hour. A brief statement from the Vatican described the talks as “cordial.” This significant encounter takes place nearly a month after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement was enacted in the Gaza Strip.
Focus on Humanitarian Crisis
The newly elected pontiff and President Abbas had not previously met in person. They did hold a phone conversation in July. That earlier call focused on escalating violence in the West Bank and developments in the Gaza conflict.
The Holy See confirmed the core areas of agreement following the meeting:
“During the cordial talks, it was recognized that there is an urgent need to provide assistance to the civilian population in Gaza and to end the conflict by pursuing a two-State solution.”
The Vatican has consistently promoted the two-state solution. In September, Pope Leo and his leading diplomats told Israel’s president that this path offered the “only way out of the war.” The Vatican has also repeatedly called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Abbas Commemorates Diplomatic Milestone
President Abbas’s visit to the Vatican was timed to observe a significant anniversary. He was marking the 10th anniversary of the signing of the “Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine.” This key document governs relations between Vatican City and the Palestinian Authority.
Abbas arrived in Rome on Wednesday afternoon. He visited the Basilica of St. Mary Major to pay his respects at the tomb of the late Pope Francis. Abbas had met with the late Pope Francis several times over the years.
They maintained frequent contact by phone after the militant attacks of October 7, 2023, and the ensuing military actions in Gaza.
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