Pope Leo speaks with 2 leaders in war: Israel, Ukraine presidents

The Holy See stated that during the conversation, "the need to reopen all possible channels of diplomatic dialogue was reiterated, in order to put an end to the serious ongoing conflict, with a view to achieving a just and lasting peace throughout the Middle East."

"The conversation also focused on the importance of protecting the civilian population and promoting respect for international and humanitarian law," the Holy See reported.

In a long statement published on X, Herzog noted that he had discussed the war with Iran with the Pope, noting "the ongoing threat of missile attacks by the Iranian regime and its terror proxies against people of all faiths in the region" as well as "the situation in Lebanon."

No mention was made of the incident that occurred on Palm Sunday in Jerusalem, where Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was prevented from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin subsequently met with the Israeli ambassador to the Holy See to request "clarification," and Isaac Herzog officially expressed his regrets to the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.

This was the second official telephone conversation between the Pope and the Israeli President, following a call on December 17. Leo XIV had at that time reaffirmed the Church's firm condemnation of all forms of anti-Semitism, referring to the terrorist attack in Sydney, where a man and his son killed 15 people during a Jewish holiday. The Pope also addressed the Israeli-Palestinian situation at that time.

Three months earlier, on September 4, the Pope had received the Israeli president at the Vatican. During the audience, the Pontiff addressed the situation in Gaza, reiterating the Holy See's longtime push for a two-state solution, as the only way out of the constant conflict in the region.

Since then, the situation has deteriorated significantly.

Pope Leo XIV also spoke by telephone with Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine. During the call, "the Holy Father extended his best wishes for the Easter holidays and reaffirmed his closeness to the Ukrainian people."

The Holy See added:

Leo XIV and Volodymyr Zelensky have already met three times. The president first attended the pontiff's installation mass on May 18; on that occasion, he was able to speak with him privately.

On July 9, the Pope received him at his residence in Castel Gandolfo, where he was spending his holidays. On that date, he emphasized the Holy See's willingness to welcome representatives of Russia and Ukraine for negotiations, while also advocating for the release of prisoners and the search for common solutions.

The pontiff also received the Ukrainian president again on December 9, again at Castel Gandolfo, and called for the implementation of diplomatic initiatives in favor of peace.