President Herzog Invites Pope Leo XIV to Holy Land, Calls for Hostage Release
President Isaac Herzog attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV on Sunday at the Vatican, using the occasion to spotlight the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza.
Wearing a sticker symbolizing 590 days since hostages were taken, Herzog called for global action to secure their release. His gesture of solidarity aimed to draw international attention to the suffering of the hostages and their families.
During a handshake with the newly inaugurated Pope, Herzog thanked him for opening his papacy with a public call for the immediate release of hostages. He urged the Pope to continue advocating for their freedom and to help renew interfaith dialogue.
President Herzog concluded the meeting by inviting Pope Leo XIV to visit the Holy Land.