The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis engaged in a telephone conversation with Mahmoud Abbas, President of Palestine, regarding the conflict that pits Israel against the terrorist group Hamas, which has maintained control over the Gaza Strip since 2007.

Matteo Bruni, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, stated that the Holy Father discussed the war in the Holy Land with President Abbas on the afternoon of Thursday, November 2.

As reported by WAFA, the news agency of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas conveyed his gratitude to Pope Francis for his "efforts" in pursuing peace in the Holy Land and across the globe.

In their conversation, the Pontiff underscored the imperative of achieving peace and ceasing the war, emphasizing the necessity to provide humanitarian aid to those affected.

According to Palestinian official media, Abbas highlighted the crucial role of the Vatican in "continuing its efforts" to secure a ceasefire in the region.

Jerusalem: "A Place of Meeting, Not of Conflict"

The dialogue between Pope Francis and the Palestinian president regarding peace in the region is not unprecedented. On November 4, 2021, the Holy Father welcomed Mahmoud Abbas at the Vatican.

A statement from the Holy See detailed that the dialogue touched upon "the peace process between Israel and Palestine and the absolute necessity of reinvigorating direct dialogue to achieve a two-state solution, with the support of increased international commitment."

Furthermore, it was reiterated that "Jerusalem must be universally acknowledged as a place of encounter rather than conflict, and its status should safeguard the identity and universal value of the Holy City for the three Abrahamic faiths, possibly through an internationally guaranteed special statute."

Pope Francis, the Vatican, and the Quest for "Paths of Peace"

It is noteworthy that on October 23, Pope Francis engaged in a discussion about the conflict with Joe Biden, President of the United States, in pursuit of "paths of peace."

Additionally, on October 26, the Holy Father received a call from Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Turkey, with whom he deliberated on the grave situation in the Holy Land.

Moreover, on October 27, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin called for de-escalation in the war between Israel and Hamas, suggesting the possibility of a meeting between Pope Francis and the families of hostages held by the terrorist group in Gaza.

Monsignor Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, also engaged in a telephone conversation with Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs, on October 30.

In the conversation initiated by the Iranian official, Monsignor Gallagher conveyed "the Holy See's profound concern regarding the developments in Israel and Palestine."

This article was originally published on ACI Prensa.