Abbas Meets Pope as Holy See Marks 10 Years Since Recognition of Palestine

Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the Vatican’s long-standing support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Apostolic Palace on Thursday, according to a statement released by the Holy See. The discussion, described as cordial, highlighted what the Vatican called an “urgent need” to ensure humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza and to work toward an end to hostilities through a negotiated political settlement.

The meeting coincided with the tenth anniversary of the Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine, a document that formalised diplomatic relations and affirmed the Vatican’s recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, is expected to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday as part of his visit to Rome, which follows nearly a month after a ceasefire took effect in the Gaza Strip. Upon his arrival in the Italian capital on Wednesday, the Palestinian leader visited the Basilica of St Mary Major, where he paid respects at the tomb of Pope Francis.

“I came to see Pope Francis because I cannot forget what he did for Palestine and for the Palestinian people,” Abbas said, recalling the pontiff’s recognition of Palestine a decade ago. “I cannot forget that he recognized Palestine without anyone having to ask him to do so.”