VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV held his first meeting with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Thursday, focusing on the 'urgent need' to assist the civilian population in Gaza.

This discussion took place nearly a month after a fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel began, following an attack by the Palestinian group on October 7, 2023, which sparked two years of conflict.

Abbas, who has led the Palestinian Authority since its inception, represents Fatah, the rival faction to Hamas.

Despite limited control over parts of the West Bank, Abbas engaged in his first in-person meeting with Leo since the American Pope took office in May. A previous conversation between the two occurred by telephone in July.

According to a Vatican statement following their meeting, they discussed the critical situation in Gaza and the necessity to pursue a two-state solution to end the conflict.

This gathering marks 10 years since the Holy See formally recognized Palestine through an agreement signed in 2015.

Abbas has previously met with Leo's predecessor, Pope Francis, multiple times.

In his final months as Pontiff, Francis criticized Israel's assault on Gaza, while Leo has maintained a more measured approach to expressing solidarity with Gaza and condemning the forced displacement of Palestinians.

However, Leo has avoided labeling the situation as 'genocide'.

As part of his visit, Abbas laid flowers at Pope Francis's tomb in Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

Abbas praised the late Pope for his efforts on behalf of Palestine.

Abbas will continue his diplomatic journey with a meeting scheduled for Friday with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.