Herzog congratulates new pope: ‘May we see the return of the hostages in Gaza and a new era of peace’

President Isaac Herzog issues a statement congratulating Pope Leo XIV on his election as the new head of the Catholic Church.

Herzog, who stresses he’s sending “warmest wishes from the Holy City of Jerusalem,” says that is looking forward “to enhancing the relationship between Israel and the Holy See, and strengthening the friendship between Jews and Christians in the Holy Land and around the world.”

“May your papacy be one of building bridges and understanding between all faiths and peoples. May we see the immediate and safe return of the hostages still held in Gaza, and a new era of peace in our region and around the world,” he adds.

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