Herzog and Pope Leo discuss Sydney attacks, Israel’s ties with Christian communities

By Lazar Berman

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17 December 2025, 6:23 pm

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Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

This handout photo taken on September 4, 2025, and released by the Vatican Media shows Pope Leo XIV (right) and President Isaac Herzog exchanging gifts during a private audience in the Vatican. (Handout/Vatican Media/AFP)

President Isaac Herzog speaks by phone with Pope Leo XIV, and extends Israel’s “warmest greetings” ahead of Christmas to the pontiff and to Christians around the world, says the President’s Residence.

They also discuss the global rise in antisemitism and the deadly shooting attack in Sydney, according to the Israeli readout.

Herzog stresses to Leo “the great importance of Israel’s relationship with the Holy See and Christians around the world,” as well as his “tremendous pride” in Israel’s Christian communities.

Herzog will host Israel’s Christian leaders at his residence after the Christmas holiday for an annual festive reception.