Vatican City: As the flames of conflict continue to scorch Gaza and the West Bank, Pope Leo XIV held a phone conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday morning, reiterating his deep concern for the human cost of war and the urgent necessity of upholding humanitarian principles.
The Holy See Press Office confirmed that the conversation was initiated by President Abbas and focused on the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Holy Land. Pope Leo used the opportunity to renew his appeal for the full observance of International Humanitarian Law, especially the moral and legal duty to protect civilians and sacred sites from violence and desecration.
The Pope emphasized his condemnation of indiscriminate force and forced displacement, urging that the international community not turn a blind eye to what he described as a “tragic humanitarian crisis.” He insisted on the unobstructed flow of humanitarian aid to reach those in greatest need.
The conversation also took a moment of reflection to mark a significant diplomatic milestone: the tenth anniversary of the Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine, signed in 2015 and implemented in early 2016. Pope Leo XIV highlighted this as a symbol of enduring dialogue and cooperation, even amid present-day instability.
The Holy Father’s call comes as yet another spiritual and diplomatic plea for peace, in a region increasingly fractured by violence, displacement, and human anguish.