Pope Francis and Palestinian President Emphasize Dialogue for Two-State Solution in Vatican Talks

VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Vatican on Thursday, focusing discussions on the two-state solution as the path to peace between Israel and Palestine. The leaders underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the conflict, emphasizing the special status of Jerusalem as a city of encounter for the three major monotheistic religions.

According to Ansa News Agency, the private meeting between Pope Francis and President Abbas lasted over 30 minutes and was followed by discussions with the Holy See’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Gallagher. A statement from the Vatican Press Office highlighted the mutual condemnation of terrorism and stressed the need for a diplomatic resolution to achieve the two-state solution.

The Vatican’s statement also noted the positive bilateral relations and the Catholic Church’s significant role in Palestinian society, particularly in addressing hum
anitarian needs in Gaza. The statement expressed hope for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the region and anticipated a return of pilgrims to the Holy Land for the Jubilee of 2025.

President Abbas expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for his support of a just peace in Palestine, advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and improved access to aid and protection for essential services. Abbas is scheduled to continue diplomatic engagements with meetings set with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.