Pope Leo XIV has called for renewed diplomatic efforts to end ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, during separate phone conversations with Israeli and Ukrainian leaders on Good Friday.
According to a Vatican statement issued on 3 April, the Pope spoke with Isaac Herzog, where both leaders exchanged Easter greetings and discussed the urgent need to pursue peaceful dialogue in the Middle East.
The Vatican said the Pope reiterated the importance of reopening all channels of diplomacy to bring an end to hostilities and achieve a just and lasting peace.
The conversation also emphasised the protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law amid the escalating conflict involving Israel, Iran, and Lebanon.
In a separate call, Pope Leo XIV spoke with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, conveying Easter greetings and expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian people amid the ongoing war.
The Vatican described the discussion as cordial, noting that it focused on the humanitarian situation, including the urgent need to provide aid to affected populations and advance initiatives such as prisoner exchanges.
The Pope also expressed hope that, with the support of the international community, a ceasefire and a lasting peace could be achieved soon.
The calls come amid heightened global tensions and follow repeated appeals by the pontiff for an end to violence.
On Palm Sunday, he condemned the use of religion to justify war, stressing that faith should not be manipulated to support violence.
