At Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration, Herzog urges new pontiff to work for release of hostages

While attending today’s inauguration of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, President Isaac Herzog shakes the new pope’s hand and encourages him to work for the release of all the remaining hostages in Gaza.

“During the ceremony… the president thanked [Pope Leo XIV] for choosing to begin his papacy with a call for the immediate return of all hostages held in Gaza,” and “used the occasion to urge the pope to continue working for their release and to promote the renewal of interfaith dialogue,” says Herzog’s spokesperson in a statement.

Herzog also invited the pope to visit Israel, the spokesperson adds.

Herzog, who spoke with various world leaders at the ceremony, was sporting a yellow ribbon pin and a sticker marking the 590 days that Israeli hostages have been held by Hamas in Gaza. The two items served as “a gesture of solidarity with the families and a cry for their immediate release, urging the global community to take action for their return,” his spokesperson says.

Among those Herzog spoke with are US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Spain’s King Felipe VI, Dutch President Dick Schoof, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Italian President Sergio Mattarella, says the statement.