Pope insists a two-state solution is the only way to ensure peace in audience with Israeli President

 ROME - Pope Leo XIV received the Israeli President of State, S.E. Mr Isaac Herzog on Thursday in the Apostolic Palace, where the Holy See reiterated that the only way out of the ongoing war was through a two-state solution in order to ensure the future for the people of Palestine.

 Mr Herzog later met with the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The main matter to be dealt with during all these meetings was the siutation in the Middle East, with particular attention given to the tragic situation in Gaza, whilst they what also spoke about how to guarantee a future for the Palestinian people and about the peace and stability of the region.

 It was hoped that the negotiations would resume quickly, so that, with willingness and courageous decisions, as well as the support of the international community, it would be possible to obtain the release of the all hostages, and to urgently reach a permanent ceasefire, in order to facilitate the safe entry of humanitarian aid in the parts of the nation worst hit and to guarantee the complete respect for humanitarian rights, as well as the legitimate desires of the two nations.

 There was no lack of reference to what is happening in the West Bank and the important question of the city of Jerusalem.

 In following talks, the historical value of relations between the Holy See and Isreal was agreed upon, and some of the issues concerning the relationship between state authorities and the local church were dealt with.

 Extra attention was given to the importance of the Christian community and their commitment in loco and throughout the Middle East, in favour of human and social advancement, especially in the education sector, along with the promotion of social cohesion and the stability of the region.