Mahmoud Abbas meets with Pope Leo

President Mahmoud Abbas met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Thursday.

They discussed the critical need to expand humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and the necessity of ending the conflict by pursuing a two-state solution. 

It is the first time both have met in person.

Abbas met with Pope Francis in December. Pope Francis was a tireless advocate for Palestine and consistently called for a ceasefire. People have been disappointed with Pope Leo's stance since he took office earlier this year.