Rome, 17 December (LaPresse) – "This afternoon, the Holy Father Leo XIV received a phone call from Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel, on the occasion of the upcoming Christmas holidays and the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. During the conversation, in light of the recent terrorist attack in Sydney, the Holy Father reiterated the Catholic Church's firm condemnation of all forms of anti-Semitism, which continues to sow fear in Jewish communities and throughout society worldwide. In addition, the Holy Father renewed his appeal for perseverance in the ongoing peace processes in the region, also emphasising the urgency of intensifying and continuing efforts in the area of humanitarian aid. This was announced by the Holy See Press Office.