BREAKING Pope Leo XIV Speaks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the Crisis in the Middle East
Pope Leo XIV and President Abbas Discuss Middle East Crisis in Phone Call
Vatican City — Pope Leo XIV held a telephone conversation on Monday, March 16, 2026, in the morning with Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, to discuss the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, the discussion centered on the "alarming developments" regarding the ongoing conflict and the deteriorating living conditions of the Palestinian people.
(Video from Pope Leo XIV meeting with President Abbas in Nov. 2025)
Key Takeaways from the Conversation
During the exchange, the Holy Father emphasized the Vatican's consistent stance on regional stability:
Commitment to Peace: The Pope reaffirmed that the Holy See remains dedicated to a peaceful resolution.
Diplomatic Channels: He stressed the necessity of achieving peace through political and diplomatic dialogue rather than violence.
International Law: The conversation highlighted the urgent need for "full respect for international law" to govern the region's recovery and future.
"The Holy Father reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to achieving peace through political and diplomatic dialogue." — Holy See Press Office
Historic November 2025 - Pope Leo XIV and President Abbas Meet: A Call for Peace and Aid in Gaza
In a historic first encounter at the Apostolic Palace, Pope Leo XIV received Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on November 6,2025, to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the path toward a permanent two-state solution.
The meeting, part of Abbas’s long-standing diplomatic mission to Italy, was marked by a blend of formal diplomacy and personal reflection.
Key Highlights of the Apostolic Audience
Humanitarian Urgency: Both leaders emphasized the "urgent" need for immediate relief for Gaza's civilian population, who continue to face the effects of conflict despite the October 10 truce.
Diplomatic Milestones: The visit commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine (signed June 2015).
Political Vision: The Vatican reiterated its firm stance on a two-state solution and the need to transition into the next phase of the regional Peace Agreement to ensure governance and rights for all.
A Bridge Between Papacies
Before his official Vatican audience, President Abbas began his trip with a private visit to the tomb of Pope Francis at Santa Maria Maggiore. Abbas described the late Argentine Pontiff as an "old friend" and an "angel of peace" who dedicated his papacy to the Palestinian cause.
During today's meeting with Leo XIV, the exchange of gifts—including a portrait of the current Pontiff and a depiction of the Baptism of Christ—symbolized a continuation of this cordial relationship.
"We must seek how to move to the second phase [of the Peace Agreement]... and how the rights of all peoples can be guaranteed." — Pope Leo XIV
Regional Context
The timing of that visit was critical, coinciding with a new U.S.-led UN Security Council resolution regarding the Gaza peace plan, which has garnered support from key regional players including Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Following his time at the Vatican, President Abbas held high-level talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Sources: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2026/03/16/0210/00398.html
https://www.vaticannews.va/it/papa/news/2025-11/leone-xiv-udienza-presidente-palestina-abbas-vaticano-guerra.html
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