religion
Pope Leo XVI urges peace in calls with Israeli and Ukrainian presidents
Vatican says Pope Leo XVI phoned Isaac Herzog and Volodymyr Zelensky to press for diplomatic talks, civilian protection and urgent aid amid the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Apr 3rd 2026 · Vatican City
Insights
- Pope Leo XVI held separate phone calls with Israel's Isaac Herzog and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky on April 3.
- He called for reopening diplomatic channels to pursue a just and lasting peace in the Middle East and in Ukraine.
- Both conversations emphasized protecting civilians and respecting international humanitarian law while increasing humanitarian aid.
- Herzog raised threats from Iran and its proxies and the safety of Christian communities near Lebanon.
- The Vatican has previously worked quietly to mediate prisoner exchanges and promote humanitarian initiatives.
Sources
- El Papa León XIV aborda con el presidente de Israel la "necesidad de reabrir todos los posibles canales de diálogo" en Oriente Medio www.cope.es
- El Papa León XIV y Zelenski abordan en una llamada la urgencia de una paz justa para Ucrania www.cope.es
- El Papa insta por teléfono al presidente de Israel a poner fin a la guerra en Irán: «Es necesario reabrir todas las vías de diálogo» www.abc.es
- Pope Leo speaks with Israeli, Ukrainian presidents: Vatican www.straitstimes.com
- Pope Leo comments on Trump's Iran war during first Easter of papacy www.cbsnews.com
- Pope appears negative on Trump's Mideast peace plan www.dailysabah.com