On the eve of Easter, Leo XIV spoke by telephone with two heads of state from warring regions: he talked with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Holy See Press Office reported on April 3, 2026. Though their presidents, the Pope wished these lands "a just and lasting peace."
On Good Friday, commemorating Christ dying for all people, the head of the Catholic Church held telephone conversations with Isaac Herzog and Volodymyr Zelensky.
On Good Friday, commemorating the death of Jesus Christ for Catholics – the head of the Catholic Church held a telephone conversation with Isaac Herzog, exchanging Easter greetings. Latin Rite Catholics celebrate Easter on April 5, and Jews celebrate Passover (Pesach) this year from April 1 to 9.
The Holy See stated that during the conversation, "the need to reopen all possible channels of diplomatic dialogue was reiterated, in order to put an end to the serious ongoing conflict, with a view to achieving a just and lasting peace throughout the Middle East."
"The conversation also focused on the importance of protecting the civilian population and promoting respect for international and humanitarian law," the Holy See reported.
In a long statement published on X, Herzog noted that he had discussed the war with Iran with the Pope, noting "the ongoing threat of missile attacks by the Iranian regime and its terror proxies against people of all faiths in the region" as well as "the situation in Lebanon."
No mention was made of the incident that occurred on Palm Sunday in Jerusalem, where Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was prevented from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin subsequently met with the Israeli ambassador to the Holy See to request "clarification," and Isaac Herzog officially expressed his regrets to the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.
This was the second official telephone conversation between the Pope and the Israeli President, following a call on December 17. Leo XIV had at that time reaffirmed the Church's firm condemnation of all forms of anti-Semitism, referring to the terrorist attack in Sydney, where a man and his son killed 15 people during a Jewish holiday. The Pope also addressed the Israeli-Palestinian situation at that time.
Three months earlier, on September 4, the Pope had received the Israeli president at the Vatican. During the audience, the Pontiff addressed the situation in Gaza, reiterating the Holy See's longtime push for a two-state solution, as the only way out of the constant conflict in the region.
Since then, the situation has deteriorated significantly.
Conversation with Volodymyr Zelensky
Pope Leo XIV also spoke by telephone with Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine. During the call, "the Holy Father extended his best wishes for the Easter holidays and reaffirmed his closeness to the Ukrainian people."
The Holy See added:
They then discussed the humanitarian situation, emphasizing the urgency of ensuring that the necessary aid reaches the people suffering from the conflict. Reference was also made to efforts aimed at promoting humanitarian initiatives, especially regarding the release of prisoners.
Finally, hope was once again expressed that, with the commitment and cooperation of the international community, hostilities may cease as soon as possible and a just and lasting peace may be achieved.
Leo XIV and Volodymyr Zelensky have already met three times. The president first attended the pontiff's installation mass on May 18; on that occasion, he was able to speak with him privately.
On July 9, the Pope received him at his residence in Castel Gandolfo, where he was spending his holidays. On that date, he emphasized the Holy See's willingness to welcome representatives of Russia and Ukraine for negotiations, while also advocating for the release of prisoners and the search for common solutions.
The pontiff also received the Ukrainian president again on December 9, again at Castel Gandolfo, and called for the implementation of diplomatic initiatives in favor of peace.
