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

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