VATICAN CITY (LifeSiteNews) — Pope Leo XIV has met the president of Israel, Isaac Herzog, in a private audience to discuss the “tragic situation in Gaza.”

According to the Holy See Press Office, during  “the cordial talks with the Holy Father and in the Secretariat of State, the political and social situation in the Middle East was addressed, where numerous conflicts persist, with particular attention given to the tragic situation in Gaza.”

Both expressed hope “for a speedy resumption of negotiations so that, with willingness and co[u]rageous decisions, as well as the support of the international community, the release of all hostages can be achieved, a permanent ceasefire reached with urgency, the safe entry of humanitarian aid into the most affected areas be facilitated, and full respect for humanitarian law be ensured, together with the legitimate aspirations of the two peoples.”

The Pope expressed his concern for the Palestinian people, and the Holy See reiterated its stance that “a two-state solution is the only way out of the current war.”

The Vatican press office also noted that the situation in the West Bank was addressed.

“During the discussions, there was agreement on the historical value of the relations between the Holy See and Israel,” the statement added.

“I am deeply thankful to Pope Leo XIV for the warm welcome today at the Vatican,” Herzog wrote on X after the meeting,

“Above all else, Israel is striving in every possible way to bring home the hostages held in brutal captivity by Hamas,” he continued. “Israel yearns for a day when the peoples of the Middle East – the Children of Abraham – will live together in peace, partnership, and hope.”

“The Pope’s inspiration and leadership in the struggle against hatred and violence, and in promoting peace around the world, is valued and vital. I look forward to deepening our cooperation for a better future of justice and compassion,” Herzog concluded.

However, despite these public statements regarding his hope for peace, Herzog has in the past promoted the narrative that every single person in Gaza is responsible for Israel’s war.

He has asserted that “there are no innocent civilians in Gaza … It is an entire nation out there that is responsible.”

READ: Cardinal Pizzaballa condemns Gaza war: ‘It is time to end this nonsense’

After the only Catholic church in Gaza was bombed by the Israeli Defense Forces in July, Pope Leo urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end hostilities and allow a swift solution to the humanitarian disaster unfolding in the Gaza Strip, and maintain respect for places of worship.

Many international experts, organizations, and countries, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and several U.N. bodies, have described Israel’s ongoing war against Palestinians as a genocide.

The Catholic bishops in the Holy Land have also sharply criticized the manner in which Israel has been waging this war since the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, described the situation in Gaza the following way: “Total destruction, hunger, lack of healthcare, children without schools, hospitals destroyed,” and has repeatedly called for an immediate end to the war.