In a recent development, Pope Francis engaged in a telephone conversation with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, as reported by the Holy See Press Office.

The conversation took place at the request of President Raisi, who expressed his gratitude for the Pope's calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Pope Francis, during his Sunday Angelus address, reiterated his plea for an end to the conflict in Palestine and Israel, emphasizing the need to stop the use of weapons and avoid an escalation of the conflict. He also highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for the immediate release of hostages, including children.

This phone call is part of a series of recent discussions held by Pope Francis with world leaders, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and US President Joe Biden.

In these conversations,  Pope emphasized the importance of seeking paths to peace and the hope for a two-state solution with a special status for Jerusalem.