VATICAN CITY (HRNW): His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has made a fervent appeal to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, urging him to pursue the path of negotiations to end the ongoing war with Iran. The call, made on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, reflects the Vatican’s deep concern over the escalating violence in the Middle East.
Call for Diplomatic Dialogue
In a telephonic conversation, the Holy Father emphasized the moral imperative of returning to the diplomatic table. According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office:
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Reopening Channels: The Pope reiterated the urgent need to reopen all possible channels of diplomatic dialogue to put an end to the serious conflict that began earlier this year.
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Lasting Peace: He stressed that authentic dialogue is the only viable path toward achieving a just and lasting peace throughout the region.
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Humanitarian Concern: Pope Leo expressed his profound closeness to those suffering and underscored the shared responsibility of the international community to halt the “spiral of violence.”
Protection of Civilians and International Law
During the discussion, the Pope highlighted the critical importance of protecting civilian populations. He urged strict adherence to international and humanitarian laws, noting that the sanctity of human life must remain a priority even in times of conflict.
President Herzog, in his own communication following the call, noted that the discussion also covered the threat of missile attacks and the safety of Christian communities in the Holy Land and Lebanon.
Global Perspective on Peace
The Vatican has emerged as a sharp critic of the regional military offensive, with Pope Leo XIV repeatedly warning of an “irreparable abyss” if diplomacy does not supersede military force. This call to President Herzog follows a similar outreach to other world leaders, as the Vatican continues to offer itself as a venue for potential peace negotiations.
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