Mr. Herzog, whose role as Israel’s president is largely ceremonial, arrived at the Vatican under extraordinary security measures just before 10 a.m. for his private audience with Pope Leo, which lasted 30 minutes, an informed Vatican source who asked to remain anonymous told America. Afterward, the Israeli president met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the foreign minister. As Pope Leo and his advisors spoke with President Herzog, Israeli forces continued their assault on Gaza City, home to almost one million people, many of whom are suffering from fear and starvation. I look forward to deepening our cooperation for a better future of justice and compassion.”When he came for the inauguration ceremony on May 18, President Herzog said he would invite Pope Leo to visit the Holy Land. There was no mention of this in his social media post; it remains to be seen whether he issued the invitation during his audience with the pope.