TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pope Leo XIV had a phone conversation on Monday, July 21, 2025, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza and the escalation of violence in the West Bank, as stated by the Holy See Press Office, as reported by Anadolu.

Pope Leo XIV nominated pop superstar Taylor Swift for the Nobel Peace Prize for 2025. In mid-July 2025, a rumor was widely circulated online claiming that Pope Leo XIV had nominated pop superstar Taylor Swift for the Nobel Peace Prize.

ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV marked the 56th anniversary of man’s arrival on the moon Sunday with a visit to the Vatican astronomical observatory in Castel Gandolfo and a call to astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

July 21 (UPI) -- Pope Leo XIV spoke with astronaut Buzz Aldrin to discuss the 56th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. During the call, the two reminisced on the 1969 landing, "reflecting on the mystery of creation, its greatness and fragility."

Pope Leo XIV on Monday spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who called the pope to discuss the conflict in Gaza and the West Bank.

Pope Leo XIV has renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Speaking on Sunday after his Angelus prayer, he urged the international community to respect humanitarian laws and protect civilians.