Pope Leo Holds First Call with Palestinian President Abbas on Gaza, West Bank Violence

On July 21, 2025, Pope Leo XIV held his first official phone conversation with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, focusing on the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. The Pope reiterated his call for full respect of international humanitarian law, emphasizing the protection of civilians and sacred sites and condemning indiscriminate violence and forced population transfers. Abbas updated the Pope on the dire conditions faced by Palestinians, including killings, starvation, destruction of holy sites such as the Holy Family Church in Gaza, and settler attacks in the West Bank village of Taybeh. Both leaders stressed the urgent need for humanitarian aid access, a ceasefire, and the release of hostages, while Abbas invited Pope Leo XIV to visit the Holy Land. This dialogue follows the Pope's earlier call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and reflects the Vatican's continued advocacy for a two-state solution and peace in the region, recalling its 2015 formal recognition of the State of Palestine. The Vatican also highlighted its support by hosting wounded children from Gaza and their families in Rome.