RAMALLAH, March 16, 2026 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine held a telephone call on Monday with Pope Leo XIV of the Vatican, during which they discussed the latest developments in the Palestinian Territory and the broader region.
President Abbas expressed his gratitude to the Pope for his principled humanitarian stance, including calls to end the war in the Gaza Strip and the pursuit of peace based on the two-state solution, as well as his rejection of unilateral actions that undermine the prospects for peace.
The President briefed the Pope on the dangerous situation in Jerusalem, highlighting ongoing Israeli violations against holy sites, particularly the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to worshippers, and the prevention of prayers there, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
President Abbas further informed the Pope of the gravity of the situation in the West Bank, citing escalating colonist violence, annexation plans, colonial settlement expansion, and the continued withholding of Palestinian tax funds, all of which threaten to undermine the institutions of the State of Palestine.
President Abbas also addressed the dire conditions in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the ongoing suffering of citizens due to the suspension of humanitarian aid and the closure of the Rafah Crossing.
The President affirmed the State of Palestine’s condemnation of the Iranian attacks targeting the Gulf countries and the region, expressing Palestine’s rejection of any violation of their sovereignty, security, stability, and the safety of their citizens.
President Abbas reiterated the State of Palestine’s solidarity with the Gulf states, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and the countries subjected to what he described as “brutal Iranian attacks,” and its support for any measures they choose to take.
The President emphasized the importance of halting the war and resuming dialogue to achieve security and stability in the region. Concurrently, the State of Palestine affirmed its condemnation and deep concern over Israeli attacks on Lebanon and the destruction of towns in the south.
President Abbas underscored the need, once the war in the region ends, to work toward convening an international peace conference and implementing the Arab Peace Initiative in a manner that leads to ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land and Arab territories in Lebanon and Syria, thereby paving the way for a just and comprehensive peace in the region.
For his part, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the Vatican’s steadfast support for the rights of the Palestinian people and the attainment of peace in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, stressing the importance of ensuring the continued delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip.
The Pope also expressed hope for an end to the suffering of the Lebanese people as a result of the war, calling for the cessation of hostilities and the realization of peace, justice, and security for all countries in the region.
President Abbas and Pope Leo XIV exchanged greetings on the occasion of the approaching holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Easter, and agreed to maintain ongoing communication and consultation between the two sides.
T.R.
