President Isaac Herzog and Pope Leo XIV spoke on Wednesday ahead of Christmas, focusing on Israel’s Christian communities and the global rise in antisemitism.
In a phone call ahead of the holiday, Herzog extended warm greetings to Pope Leo XIV and Christian communities around the world, emphasizing the importance of unity in confronting antisemitism.
The two leaders discussed the deadly terror attack targeting the Hanukkah by the Sea party at Bondi Beach, in Sydney, Australia, and broader concerns over the alarming rise in global antisemitism, according to a statement from the President’s Office.
Pope Leo XIV agreed with Herzog that there is an urgent need to combat all forms of antisemitism, and not allow another terror attack against Jews to occur, reaffirming the Vatican’s commitment to interfaith dialogue.
The President conveyed the importance of Israel’s relationship with the Holy See, the governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City.
He expressed his pride in Israel’s diverse and thriving Christian communities, who will gather at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem for an annual festive meeting in the coming weeks.
President Herzog and Pope Leo XIV concluded their conversation with a message of hope for peace and a brighter, happier, and safer future for the world in the New Year.
The Pope’s previous statements on Israel
The Pope has previously called for a two-state solution, saying that it is “the only path for peace,” during a recent visit to Beirut, Lebanon.
He has consistently affirmed Catholic friendship with the Jewish people while he criticizes the IDF’s conduct during the Gaza war, accusing the army of collective punishment and intentionally withholding aid from civilians.
Since he was elected in May, Pope Leo XIV has continuously called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of the hostages, and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid into the strip.
Although he is often critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, he maintains that the Catholic Church is a friend of Israel and wishes to act as a mediating voice for justice in the region.