Pope Urges Protection of Civilians, Sacred Sites in Phone Call with Palestinian President Abbas

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

VATICAN CITY —  In a pivotal phone call with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Pope Leo XIV voiced deep concern over the escalating violence in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, urging full compliance with international humanitarian law, especially the protection of civilians and religious sites.

The conversation comes as the humanitarian crisis deepens across the Palestinian territories, with growing international concern over forced population transfers and widespread suffering.

In a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, the Pope stressed the importance of upholding legal obligations under humanitarian law, specifically the:

• Protection of civilians

• Preservation of religious and cultural heritage sites

• Prohibition of indiscriminate violence

• Rejection of forced displacement of populations

“The Holy Father underlined the absolute necessity of respecting human dignity and international humanitarian principles,” the statement read.

Pope Leo XIV and President Abbas also discussed humanitarian relief efforts, with the Pope emphasizing the need for unhindered access to aid and rapid delivery of assistance to the most vulnerable, particularly in besieged areas of Gaza.

“The tragic humanitarian situation requires immediate action to ensure safe and adequate humanitarian corridors,” the Vatican added.

The phone call also marked a symbolic moment, as the Pope recalled the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine, signed in June 2015 and enacted in January 2016. The agreement formally established bilateral diplomatic ties and reaffirmed the Vatican’s support for a two-state solution.

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