ROME, November 5, 2025 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas today visited the tomb of late Pope Francis at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.

During the visit, the President laid a wreath of flowers on the tomb in recognition of and appreciation for Pope Francis’ humanitarian and principled support for the Palestinian people and their just cause, including the Holy See’s recognition of the State of Palestine in 2015 and his historic 2014 visit to Palestine, during which he toured Bethlehem and East Jerusalem and reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to peace and justice.

President Abbas also recalled Pope Francis’s positions and statements calling for an end to the war in Gaza, as well as his direct phone calls to affected Palestinian families, including members of the Holy Family Church in Gaza, reflecting his deep humanity and constant commitment to supporting the oppressed and promoting the values of mercy and peace worldwide.

President Abbas arrived on Wednesday in the Italian capital, Rome, on an official three-day visit to the Italian Republic.

T.R.