Vatican: Pope Leo XIV met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday morning at the Vatican, underscoring the “urgent need” to provide humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza and to pursue a resolution to the ongoing conflict. This meeting marked the first in-person encounter between the Pope and President Abbas, who had previously communicated only via telephone.
According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, the discussion was described as “cordial” and centered on pressing issues, including the immediate provision of assistance to the civilian population in Gaza and the broader objective of ending the conflict through a two-State solution.
President Abbas’ visit to Rome on Wednesday afternoon began with a solemn act of homage at the Basilica of St Mary Major, where he paid respects at the tomb of Pope Francis. Accompanied by Egyptian Franciscan friar Ibrahim Faltas, former Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land, Abbas laid a bouquet of flowers on the simple marble tomb inscribed with “Franciscus.” The visit, lasting approximately fifteen minutes, was a poignant reminder of Pope Francis’ longstanding support for Palestine.
Speaking to journalists outside the basilica, President Abbas reflected on the late Pope’s advocacy: “I came to see Pope Francis because I cannot forget what he did for Palestine and for the Palestinian people, and I cannot forget that he recognized Palestine without anyone having to ask him to do so.”
The Vatican visit also coincides with the 10th anniversary of the ‘Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine,’ signed on June 26, 2015. The landmark agreement affirms the Holy See’s support for Palestinian self-determination and the pursuit of a two-State solution. It further underscores the spiritual and symbolic importance of Jerusalem for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, reinforcing the Vatican’s commitment to interreligious dialogue and peace in the region.
Pope Leo XIV and President Abbas’ meeting reflects the Vatican’s ongoing efforts to advocate for humanitarian relief and to encourage political solutions that uphold the dignity and security of all people in the Holy Land. Both leaders emphasized the importance of dialogue, reconciliation, and international cooperation as pathways toward sustainable peace.