Title: Pope Francis’ “Fraught” Phone Call with Israeli President Over Gaza War
In late October, Pope Francis had a tense phone call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog regarding the Israel-Hamas war. According to a Washington Post report, the conversation between the two leaders was described as “fraught,” with the Pope expressing that it is “forbidden to respond to terror with terror.”
The Vatican confirmed that the phone call took place at the end of October, as part of Pope Francis’ efforts to contain the gravity and scope of the conflict situation in the Holy Land. Additionally, the Pontiff spoke to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and called US President Joe Biden about the war in the days following his conversation with Herzog.
Pope Francis has been vocal about the Israel-Hamas war, publicly denouncing it as terrorism. During a general audience in St. Peter’s Square, he described the conflict as “beyond war” and referred to it as terrorism. The Pope has continually called for a ceasefire and remains in regular contact with the Catholic community in Gaza.
The pope’s involvement in the Israel-Hamas war highlights the influential role he plays in international conflicts, using his platform to advocate for peace and address the humanitarian concerns of those affected by the conflict.