Pope Leo XIV has hosted Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the Vatican and brought up the Gaza war to push for a quick resumption of negotiations on a ceasefire.

After holding talks with the head of the Catholic Church, Mr Herzog met with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Holy See said on Thursday.

The Holy See reiterated that it considered the two-state solution, which envisioned the peaceful co-existence of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, to be the only viable solution to the conflict.

It said that the two-state solution would also guarantee a future for the Palestinian people.

The Israeli government rejects the two-state solution, claiming it would be a threat to the country’s existence.

Mr Herzog took to social media after meeting the Pope to thank him for “the warm welcome today at the Vatican.”

“Above all else, Israel is striving in every possible way to bring home the hostages held in brutal captivity by Hamas,” he wrote on X.

“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 are valued and vital. I look forward to deepening our cooperation for a better future of justice and compassion,” he said.

Relations between Israel and the Vatican noticeably cooled under Mr Leo’s predecessor, Mr Francis, who repeatedly called for the release of the hostages from Gaza and met with their families several times.

However, the late pope also increasingly criticised the conduct of the Israeli military in Gaza.

During public appearances, Mr Leo had repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire in the embattled coastal region.

He had also been urging dialogue and reconciliation, reminding listeners above all the suffering of children.

(dpa/NAN)