VATICAN CITY — In a meeting between Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, the Vatican prioritized the return of hostages in a statement on the Gaza conflict, aligning with Israel’s position that their release is key to ending the war.
The Holy See Press Office confirmed Herzog’s audience with the pontiff at the Apostolic Palace, followed by talks with Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s foreign minister. 
In a <a href="https://x.com/breeadail/status/1963593785524224346?s=46">statement</a> issued in Italian and translated by The Daily Wire, the Vatican stressed that “with willingness and courageous decisions, as well as with the support of the international community, the release of all hostages can be achieved, a permanent ceasefire can be reached urgently, [and] the safe entry of humanitarian aid into the most affected areas can be facilitated.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
VATICAN CITY—The following statement was just issued by <a href="https://twitter.com/HolySeePress?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HolySeePress</a>:
“Today, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in audience at the Vatican Apostolic Palace the President of the State of Israel, His Excellency Mr. Isaac Herzog, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal… <a href="https://t.co/V6OtLO1qGo">https://t.co/V6OtLO1qGo</a> <a href="https://t.co/bGEnAWkSDs">pic.twitter.com/bGEnAWkSDs</a>
— Bree A Dail (@breeadail) <a href="https://twitter.com/breeadail/status/1963593785524224346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
The prioritization of hostages marked a notable emphasis in the Vatican’s message, and one that Pope Leo XIV has also reiterated, reflecting Israel’s insistence that no resolution can move forward until those taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, are returned.
While the statement, issued by the Holy See press office, also mentions the two-state solution as “the only way out of the ongoing war,” the press office did not attribute that position directly to Pope Leo XIV. 
Cardinal Parolin, who has led the Secretariat of State since 2013, has long been a central figure in Vatican diplomacy, shaping deals that include the Holy See’s controversial recognition of the State of Palestine in 2015.
Parolin’s role in Thursday’s discussions highlights his influence. As Secretary of State, Parolin remains responsible for both Vatican foreign policy and relations with local churches, including Christian communities in Israel and the Palestinian territories. Thursday’s statement acknowledged the “historical value” of ties with Israel and underscored the role of Christian institutions across the Middle East in promoting education, social cohesion, and stability.
President Isaac Herzog, in a <a href="https://x.com/isaac_herzog/status/1963581241128632825?s=46">statement</a> released in Italian following the meeting, underscored the alignment between himself and the Pope. “I am deeply grateful to Pope Leo XIV for the warm welcome I received today at the Vatican. First and foremost, Israel is doing everything possible to bring home the hostages held in brutal captivity by Hamas. Israel longs for a day when the peoples of the Middle East—the Children of Abraham—will live together in peace, cooperation, and hope.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sono profondamente grato a <a href="https://twitter.com/Pontifex?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pontifex</a> Papa Leone XIV per la calorosa accoglienza ricevuta oggi in Vaticano. 
Prima di tutto, Israele si sta impegnando in ogni modo possibile per riportare a casa gli ostaggi tenuti in brutale prigionia da Hamas. Israele anela a un giorno in cui i… <a href="https://t.co/jiRLu75olf">pic.twitter.com/jiRLu75olf</a>
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) <a href="https://twitter.com/Isaac_Herzog/status/1963581241128632825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
Herzog added that “all leaders of faith and goodwill must be united in calling for the immediate release of the hostages as a first and essential step toward a better future for the entire region.” He also stressed Israel’s commitment to religious freedom, to the protection of Christian communities in the Holy Land and the broader Middle East, and to working for peace and stability.
“The Pope’s inspiration and leadership in combating hatred and violence and promoting peace throughout the world are appreciated and vital,” Herzog said. “I look forward to deepening our cooperation for a better future of justice and compassion.”

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Vatican Emphasizes Release Of Hostages In Meeting Between Israeli President And Pope Leo XIV

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Vatican Emphasizes Release Of Hostages In Meeting Between Israeli President And Pope Leo XIV