Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu contacted Pope Leo following an Israeli attack on Gaza's only Catholic church. The pope urged a ceasefire and emphasized the need to safeguard worship sites amid escalating tensions.

Netanyahu held a call with Pope Leo XIV, where he expressed optimism about the hostage talks, while the Pope asked to keep sacred places safe from the war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Pope Leo XIV in a Friday phone call that Israel is in advanced stages of negotiations for the release of hostages,

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu telephoned Pope Leo XIV, who urged Israel's leader to revive negotiations and enact a ceasefire.